canonical
/kəˈnɒnɪk(ə)l/
adjective
Origin
Ancient Greek
kanōn — measuring rod, rule, standard
Overview
Meaning Now
- Included in the list of sacred, accepted, or authoritative books or texts.
- Conforming to a general rule or established standard; following traditional or accepted norms.
- Relating to a canon or a body of ecclesiastical law.
Literal older meaning
according to a rule or measuring rod
Language path
Ancient Greek → Late Latin → Middle English → English
Earliest form
canonicall
Earliest period
14th century
Journey
The term originates from the Greek 'kanōn', which referred to a straight rod used in construction. It was later adapted by early Christian theologians to describe the collection of books recognized as authoritative or divinely inspired, and eventually to the broader body of rules in ecclesiastical law.
Evolution
- Ancient Greek
kanonikos
“regular, relating to a rule”
Derived from 'kanon'
- Late Latin
canonicus
“according to the rule, ecclesiastical”
- Middle English
canonicall
“relating to the church canon”
Connections
Word parts
canon
root
rule or rod
-ical
suffix
relating to
Related across languages
French
canonique
canonical
German
kanonisch
canonical
Explore next
Related to canonical
External references use DefinedTerm semantics.