[W/K] :: criterion

  Criterion \Cri*te"ri*on\ (kr?-t?"r?-?n), n.; pl. Criteria
     (-?), sometimes Criterions (-?nz). [Gr. ????? a means for
     judging, fr. ???? decider, judge, fr. ????? to separate. See
     Certain.]
     A standard of judging; any approved or established rule or
     test, by which facts, principles opinions, and conduct are
     tried in forming a correct judgment respecting them.
     [1913 Webster]
  
           Of the diseases of the mind there is no criterion.
                                                    --Donne.
     [1913 Webster]
  
           Inferences founded on such enduring criteria. --Sir G.
                                                    C. Lewis.
  
     Syn: Standard; measure; rule.
          [1913 Webster]

  criterion
       n 1: a basis for comparison; a reference point against which
            other things can be evaluated; "they set the measure for
            all subsequent work" [syn: standard, measure, touchstone]
       2: the ideal in terms of which something can be judged; "they
          live by the standards of their community" [syn: standard]
       [also: criteria (pl)]

  86 Moby Thesaurus words for "criterion":
     Procrustean law, acid test, adjudgment, antetype, antitype,
     archetype, assay, barometer, benchmark, biotype,
     blank determination, brouillon, canon, check, classic example,
     code, crucial test, crucible, degree, determination, docimasy,
     epitome, essay, feeling out, first draft, form, formality, formula,
     formulary, fugleman, fugler, gauge, genotype, graduated scale,
     guideline, imitatee, judgment, kiteflying, law, law of nature,
     lead, maxim, measure, mirror, model, norm, norma, ordeal,
     order of nature, original, paradigm, parameter, pattern, precedent,
     prescribed form, prescription, principle, probation, proof,
     prototype, quantity, reading, readout, regulation, representative,
     rough draft, rough sketch, rule, scale, set form, sounding out,
     standard, standing order, test, test case, touchstone, trial, try,
     type, type species, type specimen, universal law, urtext, value,
     verification, yardstick