This text expresses the generative rules of Pāṇini's grammatical system in the form of a set of sūtras.

The name can be expressed more fully: aṣṭādhyāyīsūtrapāṭhaḥ, "eight-chapter-rule-text".

• aṣṭan "eight"
• adhyāya "lesson, chapter"
• sūtra "thread, string", and hence "a short sentence or aphoristic rule" (MW)
• pāṭha "reading, study", and hence a "text" (MW)

There are several different types of rules within the system.

saṃjñā-sūtram : A rule that defines a technical term within the system.

paribhāṣā-sūtram : A rule that provides an interpretation for the application of other rules.

vidhi-sūtram : A rule that mandates an operation on an input.

niyama-sūtram : A rule that restricts the operation of another rule.

atideśa-sūtram : A rule that extends the scope of another rule.

adhikāra-sūtram : A rule that acts as a domain heading for subsequent rules.