prin·ci·ple /ˈprɪnsəpəl/
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"
2. a rule or standard especially of good behavior; "a man of principle"; "he will not violate his principles"
synset: principle
3. a basic truth or law or assumption; "the principles of democracy"
synset: principle
4. a rule or law concerning a natural phenomenon or the function of a complex system; "the principle of the conservation of mass"; "the principle of jet propulsion"; "the right-hand rule for inductive fields"
6. (law) an explanation of the fundamental reasons (especially an explanation of the working of some device in terms of laws of nature); "the rationale for capital punishment"; "the principles of internal-combustion engines"
Princeton University "About WordNet." WordNet. Princeton University. 2010.
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