rule (n.)

  1. a principle or condition that customarily governs behavior; it was his rule to take a walk before breakfast; short haircuts were the regulation

    [ Syn: regulation ]

  2. 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

    [ Syn: principle ]

  3. (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

    [ Syn: formula ]

  4. 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

    [ Syn: ruler ]

  5. 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

    [ Syn: convention , normal , pattern , formula ]

  6. prescribed guide for conduct or action

    [ Syn: prescript ]

  7. (linguistics) a rule describing (or prescribing) a linguistic practice

    [ Syn: linguistic rule ]

  8. a basic generalization that is accepted as true and that can be used as a basis for reasoning or conduct; their principles of composition characterized all their works

    [ Syn: principle ]

  9. the duration of a monarch's or government's power; during the rule of Elizabeth'

  10. dominance or power through legal authority; France held undisputed dominion over vast areas of Africa; the rule of Caesar

    [ Syn: dominion ]

  11. directions that define the way a game or sport is to be conducted; he knew the rules of chess'

  12. any one of a systematic body of regulations defining the way of life of members of a religious order; the rule of St. Dominic'

    rule (v.)

  1. exercise authority over; as of nations; Who is governing the country now?

    [ Syn: govern ]

  2. decide with authority; The King decreed that all firstborn males should be killed

    [ Syn: decree ]

  3. be larger in number, quantity, power, status or importance; Money reigns supreme here; Hispanics predominate in this neighborhood

    [ Syn: predominate , dominate , reign , prevail ]

  4. decide on and make a declaration about; find someone guilty

    [ Syn: find ]

  5. have an affinity with; of signs of the zodiac

  6. mark or draw with a ruler; rule the margins'

  7. keep in check; rule ones temper

    [ Syn: harness , rein ]

The dictionary is based on the WordNet Electronic Lexical Database.
WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2011 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.