noun

1. any figure or object, esp. a flag or banner, used as an emblem or symbol of a leader, people, military unit, etc.; specif.,
   1. Heraldry a long, tapering flag used as an ensign, as by a king
   2. Mil. the colors of a cavalry unit
2. something established for use as a rule or basis of comparison in measuring or judging capacity, quantity, content, extent, value, quality, etc. standard of weight and measure
3. 1. the proportion of pure gold or silver and base metal prescribed for use in coinage
   2. the basis for the measure of value in a given monetary system
4. the type, model, or example commonly or generally accepted or adhered to; criterion set for usages or practices moral standards
5. a level of excellence, attainment, etc. regarded as a measure of adequacy
6. any upright object used as a support, often a part of the thing it supports; supporting piece; base; stand
7. a former grade or class designation in a British elementary school
8. a piece of popular music that continues to be included in the repertoire of many bands, singers, etc. through the years
9. Bot.
   1. the large, upper petal of a butterfly-shaped flower; vexillum
   2. any of the three erect petals in the flower of an iris
10. Hort.
    1. a tree or shrub with a tall, erect stem, that stands alone without support
    2. a plant grafted on a single erect stem to grow in tree form

Etymology: ME < OFr estendard < Frank *standord, place of formation < Gmc *standan, to stand + *ort, a place, orig., a point, akin to OE ord (see odd): hence, orig., a standing place

adjective

1. used as, or meeting the requirements of, a standard, rule, model, etc.
2. generally accepted as reliable or authoritative standard reference books
3. conforming to what is usual; ordinary; not special or extra standard procedure
4. Linguis.
   1. of or in accord with the level of usage of most educated speakers of a language and established as the prestigious form of that language
   2. designating the prestigious dialect of a given language Standard American English