Canon

Table of contents

1 English 1.1 Pronunciation 1.2 Homophones 1.3 Noun 1.3.1 Related terms 2 French 2.1 Pronunciation 2.2 Noun

English

Pronunciation

IPA: ˈkæn.ən

Homophones

• cannon

Noun

canon (plural: canons )

1. a generally accepted principle.

   The trial must proceed according to the canons of law.

2. A complete body of work considered to be authentic, particularly the books of the Scriptures (Bible) accepted as authentic, or by a particular author.

   Sherlock Holmes never says, “Elementary, my dear Watson.” in the canon (i.e., the stories written by Doyle and published in The Strand), but became iconic from its use in theatrical productions.

   1 and 2 Maccabees are considered by some churches to be part of the Scriptural canon.

3. a religious law or body of law decreed by the church

   We must proceed according to canon law.

4. a piece of music in which the same melody is played by different voices, but beginning at different times.

   Pachelbel's Canon has become very popular.

Related terms

• canonical
• canonise , canonize
• canonisation , canonization

French

Pronunciation

IPA ka.ˈnɔ̃

Noun

canon

1. cannon