canonical form

[kəˈnɑːnɪkəl fɔːrm]
nounpl: canonical forms
forma canônica
1. In mathematics and logic, a standard or most simplified representation of a mathematical object, equation, or expression that is unique and universally recognized
The canonical form of a quadratic equation is ax² + bx + c = 0.
A forma canônica de uma equação quadrática é ax² + bx + c = 0.
2. In computer science and database management, a standardized format for representing data to ensure consistency and eliminate redundancy
The database requires all entries to be stored in canonical form to maintain data integrity.
O banco de dados exige que todas as entradas sejam armazenadas em forma canônica para manter a integridade dos dados.
3. In linguistics and grammar, the standard or most recognized form of a word or expression
The canonical form of the verb is typically the infinitive.
A forma canônica do verbo é tipicamente o infinitivo.
This is a specialized academic and technical term used primarily in mathematics, computer science, and linguistics. It is equally common in both Brazilian Portuguese and European Portuguese academic environments, though the spelling differs slightly. The term reflects the influence of Latin 'canonicus' meaning 'according to rule' and is fundamental to technical and scientific discourse across all Portuguese-speaking regions.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
standard formnormal formreduced formsimplified form
Antonyms / Antônimos
non-canonical formirregular formvariant form

Regional Variations

General Brazilian Portuguese
forma canônica
Standard usage in academic and technical contexts
Portugal
forma canónica
Portuguese spelling variant, widely used in European Portuguese mathematics
Technical/Academic
forma canônica
Universally used in scientific and mathematical publications across all Portuguese-speaking regions

Related Words

normalizationstandardizationcanonical basisJordan canonical formcanonical representation

Related Idioms & Phrases

reduce to canonical form
in canonical form
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