entity

[en-ti-tee] /ˈɛn tɪ ti/
noun, plural entities.
1.
something that has a real existence; thing:
corporeal entities.
2.
being or existence, especially when considered as distinct, independent, or self-contained:
He conceived of society as composed of particular entities requiring special treatment.
3.
essential nature:
The entity of justice is universality.
Origin
1590-1600; < Medieval Latin entitās, equivalent to enti- (stem of ēns), present participle of esse to be + -tās -ty2
Related forms
entitative
[en-ti-tey-tiv] /ˈɛn tɪˌteɪ tɪv/ (Show IPA), adjective
entitatively, adverb
Examples from the web for entity
  • Apparently that weather we had last week wasn't such a non-entity.
  • We will evolve as a separate entity under one umbrella.
  • It is a new type of biological entity never before seen in nature.
  • Anytime a corporation see another entity with a name similar to it's own they will file a suit.
  • The forces at play are far bigger than any single entity.
  • Science explains enough about the universe that there is no need to invoke any supernatural entity.
  • It is a separate legal entity, like a corporation.
British Dictionary definitions for entity

entity

/ˈɛntɪtɪ/
noun (pl) -ties
1.
something having real or distinct existence; a thing, esp when considered as independent of other things
2.
existence or being
3.
the essence or real nature
Derived Forms
entitative (ˈɛntɪtətɪv) adjective
Word Origin
C16: from Medieval Latin entitās, from ēns being; see ens
Word Origin and History for entity
n.

1590s, from Late Latin entitatem (nominative entitas), from ens (genitive entis) "a thing," proposed by Caesar as present participle of esse "be" (see is), to render Greek philosophical term to on "that which is" (from neuter of present participle of einai "to be;" see essence). Originally abstract; concrete sense in English is from 1620s.

entity in Technology
database
In an entity-relationship model, an entity is a type of thing being modeled such as "person" or "product". Different entities have different sets of attributes such as "name" or "price" and are connected via relationships like "bought". Entities are closely related to classes (class).
(2009-11-22)