canon (C1)
noun
Pronunciation: /ˈkænən/
Definition
A general law, rule, principle, or criterion by which something is judged.
Examples
The principle of 'innocent until proven guilty' is a cornerstone of the legal canon.
His work is a major contribution to the literary canon.
The scientific canon is constantly being updated with new discoveries.
How to Use canon
- literary canon (collocation)
- The body of books and poems that are widely accepted as being the most important and influential. — "Many students study works that are considered part of the English literary canon."
- legal canon (collocation)
- The established principles and rules of law. — "The idea of due process is central to the legal canon."
- scientific canon (collocation)
- The accepted theories and findings within a field of science. — "New evidence can challenge the existing scientific canon."
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