canon

Definition

• n. a rule or especially body of rules or principles generally established as valid and fundamental in a field or art or philosophy
• n. a priest who is a member of a cathedral chapter
• n. a contrapuntal piece of music in which a melody in one part is imitated exactly in other parts
• n. a complete list of saints that have been recognized by the Roman Catholic Church

Word forms

Plural

canons

Example sentences

1. n.

   The church has strict canons that all its members must follow.

2. n.

   The army used a powerful canon to defend the fortress.