noun
canon
KAN-un/ˈkænən/
An accepted body of standards or authoritative material.
The course examines novels within the established literary canon.
Etymology
Greek kanōn connects a straight rod with a rule or standard. That idea of a standard underlies both authoritative principles and collections of works accepted as authoritative.
In context
the code of canon law was revised. Among the changes, a rule was clarified and made absolute. Cardinals over the age of 80 are excluded from participating in papal conclaves
More examples
- The ruling conflicts with a basic canon of fairness.
- Fans debate whether the sequel belongs to the official canon.
- The library preserves works outside the traditional canon.
Forms
canon · canons