Search Result for "criterion": 
Wordnet 3.0

NOUN (2)

1. a basis for comparison; a reference point against which other things can be evaluated;
- Example: "the schools comply with federal standards"
- Example: "they set the measure for all subsequent work"
[syn: standard, criterion, measure, touchstone]

2. the ideal in terms of which something can be judged;
- Example: "they live by the standards of their community"
[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]