criterion

1 a basis for comparison; a reference point against which other things can be evaluated; "they set the measure for all subsequent work" [syn: standard, measure, touchstone]

2 the ideal in terms of which something can be judged; "they live by the standards of their community" [syn: standard] [also: criteria (pl)]

English

Pronunciation

/kɹaɪˈtɪəɹiən/

Etymology

From κριτήριον (kriterion).

Noun

1. A standard or test by which individual things or people may be compared and judged.

Usage notes

Although common, the use of criteria as a singular noun is considered incorrect.

Translations

Criterion may refer to:

In science and mathematics:

• Eisenstein's criterion, in mathematics, gives sufficient conditions for a polynomial to be irreducible over the rational numbers
• Euler's criterion, in number theory concerning primes
• Weyl's criterion, used in mathematics in the theory of diophantine approximation
• Criterion validity, in psychometrics, a measure of how well one variable or set of variables predicts an outcome
• Criterion-referenced test, translates a test score into a statement about the behavior to be expected of a person

In modern culture:

• Criteria (band), indie band
• Criterion Theatre, a theatre situated on Piccadilly Circus, London, England
• Criterion Theatre (Coventry), a theatre in Earlsdon, Coventry, England
• The Criterion Collection, a series of collector's edition DVDs
• Criterion Software, a game technology company in Guildford, England

See also

• Information criterion (disambiguation)

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