Particularis

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. An individual instance or specific example that stands out from others
2. A distinct or unique feature that distinguishes one entity from a general category
3. Referring to a certain detail or aspect that is noteworthy or specific as opposed to general characteristics

Etymology: Before it described anything distinctive, the Latin root "pars," meaning "part," was the core of this family. "Particularis" is a Latin adjective meaning "of a part" or "relating to a single part," formed from "particula," a little part. That same "particula" gave English "particle," so a particle and a particular share a tiny-piece origin. The sense of distinctiveness developed as "particular" moved from describing a small portion to describing a single item within a whole, and then to singling out one thing as opposed to the general category. In English, "particular" shifted from meaning a detail or item to meaning a feature that sets something apart. Medieval Latin writers also used the adjective in philosophical contrast with "universal," treating the individual case as the "particular" and the general rule as the "universal."