noun
a rule or principle that is considered to be permanently valid and applicable in a particular sphere of activity
adjective
relating to or authorized by a canon; included in the list of sacred books officially accepted as genuine
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The canonical version of the text is considered the most authoritative.
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The original book is the canonical one, don't bother with the others.
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That movie is the bomb, it's the canonical film of the series.
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In literature, the canonical works are like the foundation of a building, everything else is built upon them.