Canon: meaning, definitions and examples

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canon

[ ˈkænən ]

^{Context #1}

photography

A lens with a long focal length used for photographing distant objects.

Synonyms

telephoto lens, zoom lens

Examples of usage

He used a Canon lens to capture the bird in flight.
The Canon lens allowed him to zoom in on the mountain peak.

^{Context #2}

religion

A collection or list of sacred books accepted as genuine.

Synonyms

holy writ, scripture

Examples of usage

The Bible is considered the canon of Christianity.
The Quran is the Islamic canon.

^{Context #3}

literature

A body of rules or principles generally established as valid and fundamental in a field or art or philosophy.

Synonyms

principle, rule

Examples of usage

The canons of literary criticism.
The canons of architecture.

Translations

Translations of the word "canon" in other languages:

🇵🇹 cânone

🇮🇳 कैनन

🇩🇪 Kanon

🇮🇩 kanon

🇺🇦 канон

🇵🇱 kanon

🇯🇵 規範 (きはん)

🇫🇷 canon

🇪🇸 canon

🇹🇷 kanon

🇰🇷 규범 (gyubeom)

🇸🇦 قانون

🇨🇿 kánon

🇸🇰 kánon

🇨🇳 规范 (guīfàn)

🇸🇮 kanon

🇮🇸 kanón

🇰🇿 канон

🇬🇪 კანონი

🇦🇿 kanon

🇲🇽 canon

Word origin

The word 'canon' has its origins in the Greek word 'kanon', meaning 'rule' or 'measuring rod'. In ancient times, a canon was a standard or rule, such as a religious or literary text. Over time, the term evolved to encompass a variety of meanings, from a collection of sacred books to a fundamental principle in a field. The modern usage of 'canon' reflects its diverse historical origins.