canonical form

Wiktionary

1. n. mathematics A standard or normal presentation of a mathematical entity
2. n. chemistry Any of a set of representations of the resonance structure of a molecule each of which contributes to the real structure; a contributing structure
3. n. linguistics (rare) dictionary form. a basic form of word used as a dictionary entry.

GNU Webster's 1913

1. adj. (Math.) the simples or most symmetrical form to which all functions of the same class can be reduced without lose of generality.