unus

Unus is a Latin word meaning "one." It functions as both a numeral adjective and a pronoun and is declined to agree with gender, number, and case. The standard singular forms are unus (masculine), una (feminine), and unum (neuter). In the common singular cases, masculine nom. unus, gen. unius, dat. uni, acc. unum, abl. uno; feminine nom. una, gen. unius, dat. uni, acc. unam, abl. una; neuter nom. unum, gen. unius, dat. uni, acc. unum, abl. uno. The dative form uni is shared by masculine and neuter, while the accusative and nominative forms align with gender as above. Unus can appear as a numeral adjective (“one book”) or as a pronoun (“one is enough”).

In Latin usage, unus is employed in everyday counting and in phrases such as unus dies (one day) or unus amicus (one friend). It also appears in theological and literary contexts, where phrases like unus Deus, "the one God," are common in Latin Christian texts. The word’s influence extends into English through scholarly and religious Latin, contributing the sense of singularity in phrases and titles.

In popular culture, Unus the Untouchable is a Marvel Comics character whose alias arises from his mutant power. Debuting in X-Men in 1963, Unus can project a protective force field that repels physical contact, effectively making him untouchable to others. His real name is Gunther Bain, and his presence has been used in various storylines exploring themes of isolation and vulnerability.

Overall, unus serves as a fundamental building block in Latin grammar and appears in diverse historical, religious, and cultural contexts as the expression of singularity.