The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 4th Edition
n. Hinduism Any of various aphoristic doctrinal summaries produced for memorization generally between 500 and 200 B.C. and later incorporated into Hindu literature.
n. Buddhism A scriptural narrative, especially a text traditionally regarded as a discourse of the Buddha.
n. A rule or thesis in Sanskrit grammar or Hindu law or philosophy.
n. A scriptural narrative, especially a discourse of the Buddha.
the GNU version of the Collaborative International Dictionary of English
n.
n. A precept; an aphorism; a brief rule.
n. A collection of such aphorisms.
n. A body of Hindoo literature containing aphorisms on grammar, meter, law, and philosophy, and forming a connecting link between the Vedic and later Sanscrit literature.
The Century Dictionary and Cyclopedia
n. In Sanskrit lit., a body of rules or precepts. ; ;
WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2006 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.
n. a rule or aphorism in Sanskrit literature or a group of aphoristic doctrinal summaries prepared for memorization
Word Usage
"Red Pine aptly calls the sutra "Buddhism in a nutshell," and "a work of art as much as religion.""