Wednesday, March 07, 2007

Principle

  1. A basic truth, law, or assumption: the principles of democracy.
    1. A rule or standard, especially of good behavior: a man of principle.
    2. The collectivity of moral or ethical standards or judgments: a decision based on principle rather than expediency.
  2. A fixed or predetermined policy or mode of action.
  3. A basic or essential quality or element determining intrinsic nature or characteristic behavior: the principle of self-preservation.
  4. A rule or law concerning the functioning of natural phenomena or mechanical processes: the principle of jet propulsion.
  5. Chemistry. One of the elements that compose a substance, especially one that gives some special quality or effect.
  6. A basic source. See Usage Note at principal.
References:
"principle." The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition. Houghton Mifflin Company, 2004. Answers.com 07 Mar. 2007. http://www.answers.com/topic/principle

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