Synonyms/Hypernyms (Ordered by Estimated Frequency) of noun canon

6 senses of canon

Sense 1
canon -- (a rule or especially body of rules or principles generally established as valid and fundamental in a field or art or philosophy; "the neoclassical canon"; "canons of polite society")
       => rule, prescript -- (prescribed guide for conduct or action)

Sense 2
canon -- (a priest who is a member of a cathedral chapter)
       => priest -- (a clergyman in Christian churches who has the authority to perform or administer various religious rites; one of the Holy Orders)

Sense 3
canyon, canon -- (a ravine formed by a river in an area with little rainfall)
       => ravine -- (a deep narrow steep-sided valley (especially one formed by running water))

Sense 4
canon -- (a contrapuntal piece of music in which a melody in one part is imitated exactly in other parts)
       => musical composition, opus, composition, piece, piece of music -- (a musical work that has been created; "the composition is written in four movements")

Sense 5
canon -- (a complete list of saints that have been recognized by the Roman Catholic Church)
       => list, listing -- (a database containing an ordered array of items (names or topics))

Sense 6
canon -- (a collection of books accepted as holy scripture especially the books of the Bible recognized by any Christian church as genuine and inspired)
       => scripture, sacred scripture -- (any writing that is regarded as sacred by a religious group)