standard

stand·ard - [stan-derd]

-noun

1. something established by authority, custom, or general consent as a model, example, or point of reference standard of the reasonable person>
2. something established by authority as a rule for the measure of quantity, weight, extent, value, or quality
3. the basis of value in a monetary system

-adjective

4. serving as a basis of weight, measure, value, comparison, or judgment.
5. of recognized excellence or established authority: a standard reference on medieval history.

Origin:

1125-75; ME < OF, prob. < Frankish *standord (cf. G Standort standing-point), conformed to -ard

Related forms

• pre·stand·ard, noun, adjective
• su·per·stand·ard, noun, adjective
• un·stand·ard, adjective

Synonyms

1, 3. gauge, basis, pattern, guide. Standard, criterion refer to the basis for making a judgment. A standard is an authoritative principle or rule that usually implies a model or pattern for guidance, by comparison with which the quantity, excellence, correctness, etc., of other things may be determined: She could serve as the standard of good breeding. A criterion is a rule or principle used to judge the value, suitability, probability, etc., of something, without necessarily implying any comparison: Wealth is no criterion of a person's worth.

References

1. standard. (n.d.). Online Etymology Dictionary. Retrieved November 1, 2008, from Dictionary.com website: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/standard
2. standard. (n.d.). Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of Law. Retrieved September 17, 2010, from Dictionary.com website: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/standard