The word "canon" refers to a set of rules, principles, or standards by which something is evaluated or judged. In literature and art, it often denotes a collection of works that are considered authoritative or essential in a particular field. For example, the "literary canon" includes works that are widely acknowledged as significant in literature. In a religious context, it can refer to a collection of sacred texts or writings accepted as genuine.
The word "canon" comes from the late Latin word canon, which means "rule" or "norm." This, in turn, originates from the Greek word kanon, meaning "a measuring rod" or "a rule."