canonical

UK: kəˈnɒnɪk(ə)l | US: kəˈnɑːnɪk(ə)l

Definition

  1. adj. conforming to a general rule or accepted procedure; authoritative

  2. adj. of or relating to a canon (e.g., canonical texts in religion or literature)

  3. adj. (mathematics/computing) in its simplest or standard form

Structure
canon <rule, standard>ical <adjective suffix>
Etymology

The word "canonical" derives from "canon," which originates from the Greek "kanōn" (meaning "rule" or "measuring rod"). The suffix "-ical" was added in Late Latin ("canonicus") to form an adjective, later adopted into English. The term initially referred to ecclesiastical rules (e.g., canonical law) but expanded to denote anything authoritative or standard, including scientific and technical contexts.

Examples

  1. The canonical version of the text was approved by the council.

  2. In programming, canonical data structures improve efficiency.

  3. The priest studied canonical law for years.

  4. This is the canonical solution to the problem.

  5. Her work became canonical in the field of linguistics.