canon

[/ˈkænən/]
nounmasculinepl: canons
cânon
1. A general rule, standard, or criterion by which something is judged or evaluated
The canon of Western literature includes works by Shakespeare and Dante.
O cânon da literatura ocidental inclui obras de Shakespeare e Dante.
2. An official ecclesiastical code or law established by religious authority
The Catholic Church follows the canon law established by the Vatican.
A Igreja Católica segue o direito canônico estabelecido pelo Vaticano.
3. The body of works that are officially accepted as authentic or authoritative
The biblical canon was established in the Council of Nicaea.
O cânon bíblico foi estabelecido no Concílio de Niceia.
4. A musical composition in which the same melody is sung by multiple voices in succession
The children sang a canon together, with each group starting the melody at different times.
As crianças cantaram um cânon juntas, com cada grupo iniciando a melodia em momentos diferentes.
In Brazilian Portuguese, 'cânon' is commonly used in academic, religious, and cultural contexts. In contemporary internet culture across both Brazil and the USA, 'canon' has become widely used in fandom communities to describe what is considered 'officially true' in a fictional universe, in contrast to 'non-canon' fan fiction or alternate interpretations.
NYC Slang
canon (used in fandom/internet culture to mean 'officially recognized as part of the story')
Synonyms / Sinônimos
standardcriterionprincipleruledecreeregulation
Antonyms / Antônimos
exceptionanomalyirregularity

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
cânon
Standard usage for all meanings; widely understood in both formal and informal contexts
Rio de Janeiro
cânon
No significant regional variation; used consistently
São Paulo
cânon
No significant regional variation; used consistently
Portugal
cânone
Alternative spelling sometimes used; 'cânon' is also accepted in contemporary Portuguese

Related Words

canonicalcanonizecanonizationecclesiasticalorthodoxdoctrine

Related Idioms & Phrases

within the canon
outside the canon
canon fodder (military term for expendable soldiers)
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