Dictionary Workbench Ondict

norm

Dictionary entry view. Switch to definition mode above when you know the meaning but not the word.

norm
norm AC /nɔːm $ nɔːrm/ noun [countable]
 Date: 1800-1900
 Language: Latin
 Origin: norma 'tool for checking straight lines and angles'
1. the usual or normal situation, way of doing something etc
    be/become the norm
    Short term contracts are now the norm with some big companies.
    Joyce’s style of writing was a striking departure from the literary norm.
2. norms [plural] generally accepted standards of social behaviour:
    terrorists who violate the norms of civilized society
    social/cultural etc norms
3. the norm the normal or average standard
    above/below the norm
    28% of children tested below the norm.