What is the meaning of solitary?

noun

• Confinement of a prisoner in isolation from other prisoners.
  • usage: "he was held in solitary"
  • synonyms: solitary confinement
• One who lives in solitude.
  • synonyms: hermit, recluse, solitudinarian, troglodyte

adjective

• Characterized by or preferring solitude.
  • usage: "a lone wolf"; "a lonely existence"; "a man of a solitary disposition"; "a solitary walk"
  • synonyms: lone, lonely
• Of plants and animals; not growing or living in groups or colonies.
  • usage: "solitary bees"
  • synonyms: nongregarious, nonsocial
• Lacking companions or companionship.
  • usage: "he was alone when we met him"; "she is alone much of the time"; "the lone skier on the mountain"; "a lonely fisherman stood on a tuft of gravel"; "a lonely soul"; "a solitary traveler"
  • synonyms: alone, lone, lonely
• Being the only one; single and isolated from others.
  • usage: "the lone doctor in the entire county"; "a lonesome pine"; "an only child"; "the sole heir"; "the sole example"; "a solitary instance of cowardice"; "a solitary speck in the sky"
  • synonyms: lone, lonesome, only, sole
• Devoid of creatures.
  • usage: "a lonely crossroads"; "a solitary retreat"; "a trail leading to an unfrequented lake"
  • synonyms: lonely, unfrequented