rule

noun

1. 1

   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

2. 2

   something regarded as a normative example

   the convention of not naming the main character

   violence is the rule not the exception

3. 3

   a principle or condition that customarily governs behavior

   it was his rule to take a walk before breakfast

   short haircuts were the regulation

4. 4

   (mathematics) a standard procedure for solving a class of mathematical problems

   he determined the upper bound with Descartes' rule of signs

   he gave us a general formula for attacking polynomials

5. 5

   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

6. 6

   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

7. 7

   any one of a systematic body of regulations defining the way of life of members of a religious order

   the rule of St. Dominic

8. 8

   prescribed guide for conduct or action

9. 9

   directions that define the way a game or sport is to be conducted

   he knew the rules of chess

10. 10

    (linguistics) a rule describing (or prescribing) a linguistic practice

11. 11

    dominance or power through legal authority

    France held undisputed dominion over vast areas of Africa

    the rule of Caesar

12. 12

    the duration of a monarch's or government's power

    during the rule of Elizabeth