n. measuring stick consisting of a strip of wood or metal or plastic with a straight edge that is used for drawing straight lines and measuring lengths

n. something regarded as a normative example; "the convention of not naming the main character"; "violence is the rule not the exception"; "his formula for impressing visitors"

n. a principle or condition that customarily governs behavior; "it was his rule to take a walk before breakfast"; "short haircuts were the regulation"

n. a rule or law concerning a natural phenomenon or the function of a complex system; "the principle of the conservation of mass"; "the principle of jet propulsion"; "the right-hand rule for inductive fields"

n. a basic generalization that is accepted as true and that can be used as a basis for reasoning or conduct; "their principles of composition characterized all their works"

n. any one of a systematic body of regulations defining the way of life of members of a religious order; "the rule of St. Dominic"

n. directions that define the way a game or sport is to be conducted; "he knew the rules of chess"

n. 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"

n. dominance or power through legal authority; "France held undisputed dominion over vast areas of Africa"; "the rule of Caesar"

v. keep in check; "rule one's temper"

v. decide with authority; "The King decreed that all firstborn males should be killed"

v. decide on and make a declaration about; "find someone guilty"

v. mark or draw with a ruler; "rule the margins"

v. be larger in number, quantity, power, status or importance; "Money reigns supreme here"; "Hispanics predominate in this neighborhood"

v. have an affinity with; of signs of the zodiac