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
Main entry: convention, formula, pattern, normal, rule
Definition: something regarded as a normative example
Usage: the convention of not naming the main character; violence is the rule not the exception; his formula for impressing visitors
Main entry: rule, regulation
Definition: a principle or condition that customarily governs behavior
Usage: it was his rule to take a walk before breakfast; short haircuts were the regulation
Definition: (mathematics) a standard procedure for solving a class of mathematical problems
Usage: he determined the upper bound with Descartes' rule of signs; he gave us a general formula for attacking polynomials
Definition: a rule or law concerning a natural phenomenon or the function of a complex system
Usage: the principle of the conservation of mass; the principle of jet propulsion; the right-hand rule for inductive fields
Definition: a basic generalization that is accepted as true and that can be used as a basis for reasoning or conduct
Usage: their principles of composition characterized all their works
Main entry: rule
Definition: any one of a systematic body of regulations defining the way of life of members of a religious order
Usage: the rule of St. Dominic
Definition: prescribed guide for conduct or action
Main entry: rule
Definition: directions that define the way a game or sport is to be conducted
Usage: he knew the rules of chess
Main entry: linguistic rule, rule
Definition: (linguistics) a rule describing (or prescribing) a linguistic practice
Definition: dominance or power through legal authority
Usage: France held undisputed dominion over vast areas of Africa; the rule of Caesar
Main entry: rule
Definition: the duration of a monarch's or government's power
Usage: during the rule of Elizabeth
Main entry: rein, harness, rule
Definition: keep in check
Usage: rule one's temper
Definition: decide with authority
Usage: The King decreed that all firstborn males should be killed
Definition: decide on and make a declaration about
Usage: find someone guilty
Main entry: rule
Definition: mark or draw with a ruler
Usage: rule the margins
Definition: exercise authority over; as of nations
Usage: Who is governing the country now?
Main entry: predominate, prevail, reign, dominate, rule
Definition: be larger in number, quantity, power, status or importance
Usage: Money reigns supreme here; Hispanics predominate in this neighborhood
Main entry: rule
Definition: have an affinity with; of signs of the zodiac