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
Similar words: measure, measuring rod, measuring stick
Definition: measuring instrument having a sequence of marks at regular intervals; used as a reference in making measurements
Synonyms: 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
Similar words: practice
Definition: knowledge of how something is usually done
Usage: it is not the local practice to wear shorts to dinner
Synonyms: 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
Similar words: concept, conception, construct
Definition: an abstract or general idea inferred or derived from specific instances
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
Similar words: procedure, process
Definition: a particular course of action intended to achieve a result
Usage: the procedure of obtaining a driver's license; it was a process of trial and error
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
Similar words: law, law of nature
Definition: a generalization that describes recurring facts or events in nature
Usage: the laws of thermodynamics
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
Similar words: generalisation, generality, generalization
Definition: an idea or conclusion having general application
Usage: he spoke in broad generalities
Synonyms: 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
Similar words: direction, instruction
Definition: a message describing how something is to be done
Usage: he gave directions faster than she could follow them
Definition: prescribed guide for conduct or action
Similar words: direction, instruction
Definition: a message describing how something is to be done
Usage: he gave directions faster than she could follow them
Synonyms: rule
Definition: directions that define the way a game or sport is to be conducted
Usage: he knew the rules of chess
Similar words: direction, instruction
Definition: a message describing how something is to be done
Usage: he gave directions faster than she could follow them
Synonyms: linguistic rule, rule
Definition: (linguistics) a rule describing (or prescribing) a linguistic practice
Similar words: concept, conception, construct
Definition: an abstract or general idea inferred or derived from specific instances
Definition: dominance or power through legal authority
Usage: France held undisputed dominion over vast areas of Africa; the rule of Caesar
Similar words: dominance, control, ascendance, ascendancy, ascendence, ascendency
Definition: the state that exists when one person or group has power over another
Usage: her apparent dominance of her husband was really her attempt to make him pay attention to her
Synonyms: rule
Definition: the duration of a monarch's or government's power
Usage: during the rule of Elizabeth
Similar words: continuance, duration
Definition: the period of time during which something continues
Definition: keep in check
Usage: rule one's temper
Similar words: restrain, restrict, confine, bound, limit, trammel, throttle
Definition: place limits on (extent or access)
Usage: restrict the use of this parking lot; limit the time you can spend with your friends
Definition: decide with authority
Usage: The King decreed that all firstborn males should be killed
Similar words: make up one's mind, determine, decide
Definition: reach, make, or come to a decision about something
Usage: We finally decided after lengthy deliberations
Definition: decide on and make a declaration about
Usage: find someone guilty
Similar words: pronounce, label, judge
Definition: pronounce judgment on
Usage: They labeled him unfit to work here
Synonyms: rule
Definition: mark or draw with a ruler
Usage: rule the margins
Similar words: draw
Definition: represent by making a drawing of, as with a pencil, chalk, etc. on a surface
Usage: She drew an elephant; Draw me a horse
Definition: exercise authority over; as of nations
Usage: Who is governing the country now?
Similar words: command, control
Definition: exercise authoritative control or power over
Usage: control the budget; Command the military forces
Synonyms: rule
Definition: have an affinity with; of signs of the zodiac
Similar words: come with, accompany, attach to, go with
Definition: be present or associated with an event or entity
Usage: French fries come with the hamburger; heart attacks are accompanied by distruction of heart tissue; fish usually goes with white wine; this kind of vein accompanies certain arteries