krīˈtirēən sometimes krə̇ˈ- noun
( plural crite·ria -rēə ; also criterions )
Etymology: Greek kritērion, from kritēs judge, from krinein to separate, decide — more at certain
1. : a characterizing mark or trait
increased speed, climb, and ceiling, three of the four basic criteria of air combat — Science News Letter
a special constitutional criterion of that person — Journal American Medical Association
2. : a standard on which a decision or judgment may be based
the accepted criteria of adequate diet
: a standard of reference : yardstick : an identifying indication
what then are the criteria of a desirable organization of utilities — Harper's
: a basis for discrimination : ground
3. : an expression by whose value varieties of a mathematical form may be distinguished
criterion of a conic
Synonyms: see standard