Noun Definition

rule

1.Definition: (linguistics) a rule describing (or prescribing) a linguistic practice

Category: General

2.Definition: (mathematics) a standard procedure for solving a class of mathematical problems

"He determined the upper bound with Descartes' rule of signs", "He gave us a general formula for attacking polynomials"

Related Noun(s):formula

Category: General

3.Definition: a basic generalization that is accepted as true and that can be used as a basis for reasoning or conduct

Related Noun(s):principle

Category: General

4.Definition: a principle or condition that customarily governs behavior

"It was his rule to take a walk before breakfast", "Short haircuts were the regulation"

Related Noun(s):regulation

Category: General

5.Definition: a rule or law concerning a natural phenomenon or the function of a complex system

"The principle of the conservation of mass", "The principle of jet propulsion", "The right-hand rule for inductive fields"

Related Noun(s):principle

Category: General

6.Definition: any one of a systematic body of regulations defining the way of life of members of a religious order

"The rule of St. Dominic"

Category: General

7.Definition: directions that define the way a game or sport is to be conducted

"He knew the rules of chess"

Category: General

8.Definition: dominance or power through legal authority

"France held undisputed dominion over vast areas of Africa", "The rule of Caesar"

Related Noun(s):dominion

Category: General

9.Definition: measuring stick consisting of a strip of wood or metal or plastic with a straight edge that is used for drawing straight lines and measuring lengths

Related Noun(s):ruler

Category: Objects

10.Definition: prescribed guide for conduct or action

Related Noun(s):prescript

Category: General

11.Definition: something regarded as a normative example

"The convention of not naming the main character", "Violence is the rule not the exception", "His formula for impressing visitors"

Related Noun(s):convention, formula, normal, pattern

Category: General

12.Definition: the duration of a monarch's or government's power

"During the rule of Elizabeth"

Category: General