Unix

• UNIX, 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.

• IPA^(key): /ˈjuː.nɪks/

• Audio (US):

  (file)

• Rhymes: -uːnɪks

Unix

2. (computing) An operating system that shares the original source code by Dennis Ritchie and Ken Thompson.

   Alternative form: UNIX

   Hyponyms: BSD, A/UX, DG/UX, HP-UX

4. (computing) An operating system largely compatible with Unix that qualifies for use of the UNIX trademark, currently owned by The Open Group.

   Alternative form: UNIX

Unix (plural Unixes or Unices or Unixen)

1. (computing, informal) Any of the above plus Unix-like operating systems similar to Unix but not qualifying for use of the UNIX trademark.

   Alternative form: unix

   Hyponyms: Linux, Minix, GNU Hurd

   GNU is not Unix.

   The Linux kernel operating system is one of the most popular Unixes.