Main Entry: con·sti·tu·tion

Pronunciation: \ˌkän(t)-stə-ˈtü-shən, -ˈtyü-\

Function: noun

Date: 14th century

1 : an established law or custom : ordinance
2 a : the physical makeup of the individual especially with respect to the health, strength, and appearance of the body <a hearty constitution> b : the structure, composition, physical makeup, or nature of something <the constitution of society>
3 : the act of establishing, making, or setting up
4 : the mode in which a state or society is organized; especially : the manner in which sovereign power is distributed
5 a : the basic principles and laws of a nation, state, or social group that determine the powers and duties of the government and guarantee certain rights to the people in it b : a written instrument embodying the rules of a political or social organization

— con·sti·tu·tion·less \-ləs\ adjective