Canonical

Quick meaning: Canonical is an adjective meaning Present in a canon, religious or otherwise.

Meaning

Present in a canon, religious or otherwise.

More Meanings

1. According to recognised or orthodox rules.
2. Stated or used in the most basic and straightforwardly applicable manner.
3. Prototypical.
4. (religion) In conformity with canon law.
5. (music) In the form of a canon.
6. (religion) Of or pertaining to an ecclesiastical chapter.
7. (mathematics, computing) In canonical form.

Example Sentences

The Gospel of Luke is a canonical New Testament book.

the reduction of a linear substitution to its canonical form

The men played golf in the most canonical way, with no local rules.

Mr Altham rose, as in duty bound, in honour to a priest, and a priest who, as he dimly discerned by his canonicals, was not altogether a common one.

Word Forms

• canonicals

Synonyms for canonical

Depending on context, synonyms include natural, standard, basic, sanctioned, orthodox.

Antonyms for canonical

Common opposites include apocryphal.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include orthodox, standard, basic, sanctioned, canon, original.

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