[syn: criterion, standard]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Criterion \Cri*te"ri*on\ (kr?-t?"r?-?n), n.; pl. Criteria
(-?), sometimes Criterions (-?nz). [Gr. ????? a means for
judging, fr. ???? decider, judge, fr. ????? to separate. See
Certain.]
A standard of judging; any approved or established rule or
test, by which facts, principles opinions, and conduct are
tried in forming a correct judgment respecting them.
[1913 Webster]
Of the diseases of the mind there is no criterion.
--Donne.
[1913 Webster]
Inferences founded on such enduring criteria. --Sir G.
C. Lewis.
Syn: Standard; measure; rule.
[1913 Webster]
WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):
criterion
n 1: a basis for comparison; a reference point against which
other things can be evaluated; "the schools comply with
federal standards"; "they set the measure for all
subsequent work" [syn: standard, criterion, measure,
touchstone]
2: the ideal in terms of which something can be judged; "they
live by the standards of their community" [syn: criterion,
standard]
Moby Thesaurus II by Grady Ward, 1.0:
86 Moby Thesaurus words for "criterion":
Procrustean law, acid test, adjudgment, antetype, antitype,
archetype, assay, barometer, benchmark, biotype,
blank determination, brouillon, canon, check, classic example,
code, crucial test, crucible, degree, determination, docimasy,
epitome, essay, feeling out, first draft, form, formality, formula,
formulary, fugleman, fugler, gauge, genotype, graduated scale,
guideline, imitatee, judgment, kiteflying, law, law of nature,
lead, maxim, measure, mirror, model, norm, norma, ordeal,
order of nature, original, paradigm, parameter, pattern, precedent,
prescribed form, prescription, principle, probation, proof,
prototype, quantity, reading, readout, regulation, representative,
rough draft, rough sketch, rule, scale, set form, sounding out,
standard, standing order, test, test case, touchstone, trial, try,
type, type species, type specimen, universal law, urtext, value,
verification, yardstick