adjective
canonical
kuh-NON-ih-kul/kəˈnɑːnɪkl/
Recognized as authoritative or standard within an established system.
The curator treats the authenticated original as the canonical version for comparison.
Etymology
Built on the idea of a rule or standard, canonical first meant conforming to church law. It broadened to conformity with a rule and membership in an accepted, authoritative body of works.
In context
the Vatican rarely accepts incorruptibility as a canonical miracle
More examples
- The software converts dates to a canonical format.
- The course focuses on canonical works of drama.
- The episode changes a previously canonical detail of the story.
Similar words
- authoritative
- Emphasizes recognized reliability or power to settle questions.
- standard
- Can mean customary without belonging to an accepted canon.