Emily Dickinson Lexicon

single, adj. [OFr < L. 'one, individual, separate'.] (webplay: single star).

1. Isolated; separate; [fig.] celibate; unwed; not married; without a mate; having no lifelong companion.
2. Unique; special; outstanding; singular; one of a kind; consisting of one only.
3. Solitary; standing alone; [fig.] lonely.
4. Particular; specific; one and only.
5. Simple; sole; unitary; basic; uncomplicated.
6. Orphaned; abandoned; neglected; left alone.
7. One of many; separated from others; distinct from the rest.
8. Elemental; fundamental; ultimate; primal; crucial; [fig.] peculiar; strange.
9. One in number; not plural or double.
10. Pure; clear; elegant; refined; superior; [fig.] extraordinary.
11. Identical; inseparable; one and the same.
12. Individual; solo; without harmony; having one voice part; separate from the whole choir; (word play on “sing”) singing; musical; birdsong; [fig.] poetical; lyrical.
13. Phrase. “a single”: any; just one.