Definitions of rule in various dictionaries:
noun -
a principle or condition that customarily governs behavior
noun -
something regarded as a normative example
noun -
prescribed guide for conduct or action
noun -
(linguistics) a rule describing (or prescribing) a linguistic practice
noun -
a basic generalization that is accepted as true and that can be used as a basis for reasoning or conduct
noun -
the duration of a monarch's or government's power
noun -
dominance or power through legal authority
noun -
directions that define the way a game or sport is to be conducted
noun -
any one of a systematic body of regulations defining the way of life of members of a religious order
noun -
a rule or law concerning a natural phenomenon or the function of a complex system
noun -
(mathematics) a standard procedure for solving a class of mathematical problems
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
verb -
exercise authority over
verb -
decide with authority
verb -
be larger in number, quantity, power, status or importance
verb -
decide on and make a declaration about
verb -
have an affinity with
verb -
mark or draw with a ruler
verb -
keep in check
Governing power or its possession or use; authority.
The duration of such power.
An authoritative, prescribed direction for conduct, especially one of the regulations governing procedure in a legislative body or a regulation observed by the players in a game, sport, or contest.
The body of regulations prescribed by the founder of a religious order for governing the conduct of its members.
A usual, customary, or generalized course of action or behavior: “The rule of life in the defense bar ordinarily is to go along and get along” (Scott Turow).
A generalized statement that describes what is true in most or all cases: In this office, hard work is the rule, not the exception.
A standard method or procedure for solving a class of problems.
Law.
A court order limited in application to a specific case.
A subordinate regulation governing a particular matter.
See ruler (n.
A thin metal strip of various widths and designs, used to print borders or lines, as between columns.
To exercise control, dominion, or direction over; govern.
To dominate by powerful influence.
To decide or declare authoritatively or judicially; decree.
To mark with straight parallel lines.
To mark (a straight line), as with a ruler.
To be in total control or command; exercise supreme authority.
To formulate and issue a decree or decision.
To prevail at a particular level or rate: Prices ruled low.
To prevent; preclude: The snowstorm ruled out their weekly meeting.
To remove from consideration; exclude: The option of starting over has been ruled out.
adj - to exercise control over [v RULED, RULING, RULES] : RULABLE