Definition of: sutra

(s′trə) noun
1. A formulated doctrine, often so short as to be unintelligible without a key; literally, a rule or precept.
2. In Sanskrit literature, a short grammatical rule.
3. plural A collection of writings or aphorisms, as the dialogs of the Buddha, the Laws of Manu.
4. In Buddhism, an extended writing, usually in verse, and often in dialog form, embodying important religious and philosophical propositions, sometimes directly, sometimes in highly allegorical or metaphorical language. Also sut·ta (st′ə). [<Skt. sūtra a thread, rule <siv sew]