Main Entry: in·sti·tu·tion

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

Function: noun

Date: 14th century

1 : an act of instituting : establishment
2 a : a significant practice, relationship, or organization in a society or culture <the institution of marriage>; also : something or someone firmly associated with a place or thing <she has become an institution in the theater> b : an established organization or corporation (as a bank or university) especially of a public character; also : asylum 4