RULE

Definitions of rule in various dictionaries:

noun - a principle or condition that customarily governs behavior

noun - something regarded as a normative example

noun - prescribed guide for conduct or action

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

noun - a basic generalization that is accepted as true and that can be used as a basis for reasoning or conduct

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

noun - dominance or power through legal authority

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

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

noun - a rule or law concerning a natural phenomenon or the function of a complex system

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

noun - 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

verb - exercise authority over

verb - decide with authority

verb - be larger in number, quantity, power, status or importance

verb - decide on and make a declaration about

verb - have an affinity with

verb - mark or draw with a ruler

verb - keep in check

Governing power or its possession or use; authority.

The duration of such power.

An authoritative, prescribed direction for conduct, especially one of the regulations governing procedure in a legislative body or a regulation observed by the players in a game, sport, or contest.

The body of regulations prescribed by the founder of a religious order for governing the conduct of its members.

A usual, customary, or generalized course of action or behavior: “The rule of life in the defense bar ordinarily is to go along and get along” (Scott Turow).

A generalized statement that describes what is true in most or all cases: In this office, hard work is the rule, not the exception.

A standard method or procedure for solving a class of problems.

Law.

A court order limited in application to a specific case.

A subordinate regulation governing a particular matter.

See ruler (n.

A thin metal strip of various widths and designs, used to print borders or lines, as between columns.

To exercise control, dominion, or direction over; govern.

To dominate by powerful influence.

To decide or declare authoritatively or judicially; decree.

To mark with straight parallel lines.

To mark (a straight line), as with a ruler.

To be in total control or command; exercise supreme authority.

To formulate and issue a decree or decision.

To prevail at a particular level or rate: Prices ruled low.

To prevent; preclude: The snowstorm ruled out their weekly meeting.

To remove from consideration; exclude: The option of starting over has been ruled out.

adj - to exercise control over [v RULED, RULING, RULES] : RULABLE