rule - noun

a principle or condition that customarily governs behavior

something regarded as a normative example

prescribed guide for conduct or action

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

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

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

dominance or power through legal authority

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

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

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

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

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

rule - verb

• exercise authority over; as of nations
• decide with authority
• be larger in number, quantity, power, status or importance
• decide on and make a declaration about
• have an affinity with; of signs of the zodiac
• mark or draw with a ruler
• keep in check

rule - thesaurus

convention   decree   dominate   dominion   find   formula   govern   harness   normal   pattern   predominate   prescript   prevail   principle   regulation   reign   rein   ruler