norm AC /nɔːm $ nɔːrm/ BrE AmE 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.