First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1canon
noun can·on \ˈka-nən\
Definition of CANON
1
a : a regulation or dogma decreed by a church council b : a provision of canon law
2
[Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin, from Latin, model] : the most solemn and unvarying part of the Mass including the consecration of the bread and wine
3
[Middle English, from Late Latin, from Latin, standard] a : an authoritative list of books accepted as Holy Scripture b : the authentic works of a writer c : a sanctioned or accepted group or body of related works <the canon of great literature>
4
a : an accepted principle or rule b : a criterion or standard of judgment c : a body of principles, rules, standards, or norms
5
[Late Greek kanōn, from Greek, model] : a contrapuntal musical composition in which each successively entering voice presents the initial theme usually transformed in a strictly consistent way
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Origin of CANON
Middle English, from Old English, from Late Latin, from Latin, ruler, rule, model, standard, from Greek kanōn
Synonym Discussion of CANON
law, rule, regulation, precept, statute, ordinance, canon mean a principle governing action or procedure. law implies imposition by a sovereign authority and the obligation of obedience on the part of all subject to that authority <obey the law>. rule applies to more restricted or specific situations <the rules of the game>. regulation implies prescription by authority in order to control an organization or system <regulations affecting nuclear power plants>. precept commonly suggests something advisory and not obligatory communicated typically through teaching <the precepts of effective writing>. statute implies a law enacted by a legislative body <a statute requiring the use of seat belts>. ordinance applies to an order governing some detail of procedure or conduct enforced by a limited authority such as a municipality <a city ordinance>. canon suggests in nonreligious use a principle or rule of behavior or procedure commonly accepted as a valid guide <the canons of good taste>.
Other Christian Religious Terms
2canon
noun
Definition of CANON
1
: a clergyman belonging to the chapter or the staff of a cathedral or collegiate church
2
Origin of CANON
Middle English canoun, from Anglo-French *canoun, chanoun, from Late Latin canonicus one living under a rule, from Latin, according to rule, from Greek kanonikos, from kanōn
First Known Use: 13th century
Rhymes with CANON
cañon
Definition of CAÑON
variant of canyon
CANON Defined for Kids
canon
noun can·on \ˈka-nən\
Definition of CANON for Kids
1
: a rule or law of a church
2
: an accepted rule <He follows the canons of good taste.>
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