adverb

Before an interrogative, forms an emphatic question.
  1. (what) the heck, (why) in the world, (who) on earth.

noun

  1. one object, one body, unity.
  2. one form, one style.
  3. one Buddhist image (or carving, etc.).

noun, adverb

  1. generally, in general.

Variations

Pronunciation Kanji Kana Is Common
一体 いったい

Contained Kanji Breakdown

one, one radical (no.1)
イチ いっ ひと- (1st, N5)
body, substance, object
タイ からだ テイ (2nd, N4)
human radical (no. 9)
book, present, main
ホン もと まと (1st, N5)
tree, wood
き モク こ- (1st, N5)