criterion

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

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]
    

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