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

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

con·sti·tu·tion

noun \ˌkän(t)-stə-ˈt(y)ü-shən\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of CONSTITUTION

1

: the physical makeup of the individual comprising inherited qualities modified by environment

2

: the structure of a compound as determined by the kind, number, and arrangement of atoms in its molecule

—con·sti·tu·tion·al \-shnəl, -shən-^əl\ adjective

constitution

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Set of doctrines and practices that form the fundamental organizing principle of a political state. It may be written (e.g., the Constitution of the United States) or partly written and uncodified (e.g., Britain's constitution). Its provisions usually specify how the government is to be organized, what rights it shall have, and what rights shall be retained by the people. Modern constitutional ideas developed during the Enlightenment, when philosophers such as Thomas Hobbes, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, and John Locke proposed that constitutional governments should be stable, adaptable, accountable, and open, should represent the governed, and should divide power according to its purpose. The oldest constitution still in force is that of the state of Massachusetts (1780). See also social contract.