There are words we read so many times, specially in the domain of language that we practice in, that we use the words, and never really understand the meaning of the word, other than that it makes sense in the way, or how its used. One of these words for me was Canonical. Here is the dictionary meaning of the word.
The root here, canon, informs all the meanings of this useful adjective, which all relate to conformity, standards, and observance of norms. Favorite collocates these days are “gospel” and “text,” reflecting its use in relation to the canons (sanctioned texts) of various religions.