canon

/ˈkænən/
noun
  1. A collection or list of works that are considered to be the most important or representative of a particular subject, genre, or culture.
    • The film canon includes classics like 'Casablanca' and 'Citizen Kane'.
    • Shakespeare's plays are part of the literary canon studied in schools around the world.
    • Many modern authors argue that the traditional canon should be expanded to include more diverse voices.
  2. A general rule, principle, or standard by which something is judged.
    • The canons of good design emphasize simplicity and functionality.
    • Honesty is a canon of ethical behavior in most professions.
    • In journalism, the canon of objectivity requires reporters to present facts without bias.
  3. In music, a composition in which a melody is imitated by different parts or voices at fixed intervals.
    • The choir performed a round, which is a simple type of canon.
    • In a canon, each voice enters at a different time but plays the same tune.
    • Pachelbel's Canon in D is one of the most famous pieces of classical music.
  4. A member of a cathedral chapter or a priest who lives according to a certain rule.
    • The canons met to discuss the management of church property.
    • The canon led the evening prayers at the cathedral.
    • He was appointed as a canon of St. Paul's after years of service.
Antonyms
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