Unix

Definition

Any of the above plus Unix-like operating systems similar to Unix but not qualifying for use of the UNIX trademark.

Etymology

Etymology tree English Multics ▲ English eunuchinflu. English Unix A pun on Multics to sound like eunuchs, as Unix was considered to be an emasculated Multics (see multi- and uni-). Likely coined by Canadian computer scientist Brian Kernighan in 1970.

Example Sentences

• "GNU is not Unix."
• "The Linux kernel operating system is one of the most popular Unixes."