canonical
adjective
1. appearing in a biblical canon
- a canonical book of the Christian New Testament
Similar word(s): canonic
2. of or relating to or required by canon law
Similar word(s): canonic
3. reduced to the simplest and most significant form possible without loss of generality
- a canonical syllable pattern
Similar word(s): standard, basic, canonic
4. conforming to orthodox or recognized rules
- the drinking of cocktails was as canonical a rite as the mixing
Similar word(s): orthodox, canonic, sanctioned
Sentences with canonical as an adjective:
- The Gospel of Luke is a canonical New Testament book.
- The men played golf in the most canonical way, with no local rules.
- the reduction of a linear substitution to its canonical form
noun
1. (Roman Catholicism) The formal robes of a priest