• 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
• noun:   a principle or condition that customarily governs behavior

  Example: "It was his rule to take a walk before breakfast"

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

  Example: "He determined the upper bound with Descartes' rule of signs"

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

  Example: "The rule of St. Dominic"

• noun:   prescribed guide for conduct or action
• noun:   directions that define the way a game or sport is to be conducted

  Example: "He knew the rules of chess"

• noun:   (linguistics) a rule describing (or prescribing) a linguistic practice
• noun:   the duration of a monarch's or government's power

  Example: "During the rule of Elizabeth"

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

  Example: "The right-hand rule for inductive fields"

• noun:   a basic generalization that is accepted as true and that can be used as a basis for reasoning or conduct
• noun:   dominance or power through legal authority

  Example: "The rule of Caesar"

• noun:   something regarded as a normative example

  Example: "Violence is the rule not the exception"

• verb:   keep in check

  Example: "Rule one's temper"

• verb:   have an affinity with; of signs of the zodiac
• verb:   decide with authority
• verb:   decide on and make a declaration about
• verb:   mark or draw with a ruler

  Example: "Rule the margins"

• verb:   exercise authority over; as of nations
• verb:   be larger in number, quantity, power, status or importance
• name:  A surname (rare: 1 in 50000 families; popularity rank in the U.S.: #5649)

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