canonical Meaning, Definition & Usage

1. adjective appearing in a biblical canon
   canonic.
   
   • a canonical book of the Christian New Testament
2. adjective of or relating to or required by canon law
   canonic.
   
3. adjective satellite reduced to the simplest and most significant form possible without loss of generality
   canonic; basic.
   
   • a basic story line
   • a canonical syllable pattern
4. adjective satellite conforming to orthodox or recognized rules
   canonic; sanctioned.
   
   • the drinking of cocktails was as canonical a rite as the mixing"- Sinclair Lewis

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