principle

n 1: a basic generalization that is accepted as true and that can

be used as a basis for reasoning or conduct; "their

principles of composition characterized all their works"

[syn: {rule}]

2: a rule or standard especially of good behavior: "a man of

principle"; "he will not violate his principles"

3: a basic truth or law or assumption: "the principles of

democracy"

4: a rule or law concerning a natural phenomenon or the

function of a mechanical system: "the principle of the

conservation of mass"; "the principle of jet propulsion";

"the right-hand rule for inductive fields" [syn: {rule}]

5: rule of personal conduct [syn: {precept}]

6: an explanation of the working of some device in terms of

laws of nature; "the principles of internal-combusiton

engines" [syn: {rationale}]