standard

(stănˈdərd)

1. A flag, banner, or ensign, especially:
   a. The ensign of a chief of state, nation, or city.
   b. A long, tapering flag bearing heraldic devices distinctive of a person or corporation.
   c. An emblem or flag of an army, raised on a pole to indicate the rallying point in battle.
   d. The colors of a mounted or motorized military unit.
2. a. An acknowledged measure of comparison for quantitative or qualitative value; a criterion.
   b. An object that under specified conditions defines, represents, or records the magnitude of a unit.
3. The set proportion by weight of gold or silver to alloy metal prescribed for use in coinage.
4. The commodity or commodities used to back a monetary system.
5. Something, such as a practice or a product, that is widely recognized or employed, especially because of its excellence.
6. a. A degree or level of requirement, excellence, or attainment.
   b. A requirement of moral conduct. Often used in the plural.
7. Chiefly British A grade level in elementary schools.
8. A pedestal, stand, or base.
9. Botany
   a. The large upper petal of the flower of a pea or related plant.
   b. One of the narrow upright petals of an iris. Also called banner, vexillum.
10. A shrub or small tree that through grafting or training has a single stem of limited height with a crown of leaves and flowers at its apex.
11. Music A composition that is continually used in repertoires.

1. Serving as or conforming to a standard of measurement or value.
2. Widely recognized or employed as a model of authority or excellence: a standard reference work.
3. Acceptable but of less than top quality: a standard grade of beef.
4. Normal, familiar, or usual: the standard excuse.
5. Commonly used or supplied: standard car equipment.
6. Linguistics Conforming to established educated usage in speech or writing.

Related Forms:

• stanˈdard·ly adverb