Definition of: principle

(prin′sə·pəl) noun
1. A general truth or law, basic to other truths: the principle of self-government.
2. A settled law or rule of personal conduct: He followed the principle of the Golden Rule.
3. That which is inherent in anything, determining its nature; essential character; essence.
4. A source or cause from which a thing proceeds; fundamental cause.
5. An established mode of action or operation in natural phenomena: the principle of Archimedes.
6. Chem. An essential constituent of a compound or substance that gives character to it.
7. Moral standards collectively. See synonyms under DOCTRINE, LAW¹, REASON. ♦ Homophone: principal. [<L principium a beginning]