1. A single person or someone who is considered separate from the rest of a group: An opposing political organization is against the government action which diminishes the rights of the individual supposedly for the public good.

Everyone deserves to be recognized as an individual.

2. A particular person: Fay is a very talented individual who is striving to improve her education and practical experiences in order to enhance her professional career.

Helena asked Bruce if he was the individual that she had spoken to on the phone.

3. A sole member of part of a unit: The markings on the fingers, or finger prints, are unique to each individual.
4. Etymology: a single thing; later, a single person; from Medieval Latin individualis; from Latin individuus, "inseparable" (in, "not" + dividuus, "divisible"; from dividere, "to divide").