Criterion

n.

1.

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. Of the diseases of the mind there is no criterion. - Donne. Inferences founded on such enduring criteria. - Sir G. C. Lewis.

Noun	1.	criterion - a basis for comparison; a reference point against which other things can be evaluated; "they set the measure for all subsequent work" Synonyms: standard, touchstone, measure
	2.	criterion - the ideal in terms of which something can be judged; "they live by the standards of their community" Synonyms: standard

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, genotype, graduated scale, guideline, imitatee, judgment, kiteflying, law of nature, lead, maxim, mirror, model, norm, norma, ordeal, order of nature, original, paradigm, parameter, pattern, precedent, prescribed form, prescription, probation, proof, prototype, quantity, reading, readout, regulation, representative, rough draft, rough sketch, 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