[1] : The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48

criterion \crite"rion\ kr?-t?"r?-?n, n.; pl. criteria
   -?, sometimes criterions -?nz. gr. ????? a means for
   judging, fr. ???? decider, judge, fr. ????? to separate. see
   certain.
   a standard of judging; any approved or established rule or
   test, by which facts, principles opinions, and conduct are
   tried in forming a correct judgment respecting them.
   1913 webster

         of the diseases of the mind there is no criterion.
                                                  --donne.
   1913 webster

         inferences founded on such enduring criteria. --sir g.
                                                  c. lewis.

   syn: standard; measure; rule.
        1913 webster
see also:
criteria criterions certain 

[2] : WordNet (r) 2.0

criterion
     n 1: a basis for comparison; a reference point against which
          other things can be evaluated; "they set the measure for
          all subsequent work" syn: standard, measure, touchstone
     2: the ideal in terms of which something can be judged; "they
        live by the standards of their community" syn: standard
     also: criteria pl
see also:
standard measure touchstone criteria 

[3] : Moby Thesaurus II by Grady Ward, 1.0

86 moby thesaurus words for "criterion":
   procrustean law, acid test, adjudgment, antetype, antitype,
   archetype, assay, barometer, benchmark, biotype,
   blank determination, brouillon, canon, check, classic example,
   code, crucial test, crucible, degree, determination, docimasy,
   epitome, essay, feeling out, first draft, form, formality, formula,
   formulary, fugleman, fugler, gauge, genotype, graduated scale,
   guideline, imitatee, judgment, kiteflying, law, law of nature,
   lead, maxim, measure, mirror, model, norm, norma, ordeal,
   order of nature, original, paradigm, parameter, pattern, precedent,
   prescribed form, prescription, principle, probation, proof,
   prototype, quantity, reading, readout, regulation, representative,
   rough draft, rough sketch, rule, scale, set form, sounding out,
   standard, standing order, test, test case, touchstone, trial, try,
   type, type species, type specimen, universal law, urtext, value,
   verification, yardstick

Criterion >> C Words
Criterion, definition of term: Criterion
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