constitution

con·sti·tu·tion

noun \ˌkän(t)-stə-ˈtü-shən, -ˈtyü-\

Definition of CONSTITUTION

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

Examples of CONSTITUTION

1. The state's constitution has strict rules about what tax money can be used for.
2. Members of the club have drafted a new constitution.
3. The state's original constitution is on display at the museum.
4. He has a robust constitution.
5. Only animals with strong constitutions are able to survive the island's harsh winters.
6. What is the molecular constitution of the chemical?

First Known Use of CONSTITUTION

14th century

Related to CONSTITUTION

Synonyms: character, clay, colors, complexion, nature, genius, personality, self, tone

Related Words: distinctiveness, distinctness, individuality, singularity, uniqueness; attribute, characteristic, earmark, essentiality, feature, flavor, hallmark, mark, point, property, savor (also savour), stamp, trait; disposition, grain, sort, temper, temperament; composition, makeup; essence, essentiality, interior, interiority, soul, spirit; metal, stuff, substance; habit, way

Near Antonyms: higher law

see all synonyms and antonyms

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Other Legal Terms

actionable, alienable, carceral, chattel, complicity, decedent, larceny, malfeasance, modus operandi

Rhymes with CONSTITUTION

absolution, allocution, attribution, comminution, consecution, contribution, convolution, destitution, dissolution, distribution, elocution, evolution, execution, exsolution, institution, involution, persecution, prosecution, prostitution, resolution, restitution, retribution, revolution, Rosicrucian, substitution