[ax.i.om] n [L axioma, fr. Gk axioma, lit., something worthy, fr. axioun to think worthy, fr. axios worth, worthy; akin to Gk agein to weigh, drive--more at agent] (15c) 1: a maxim widely accepted on its intrinsic merit
2: a statement accepted as true as the basis for argument or inference: postulate 1
3: an established rule or principle or a self-evident truth