structure

¹struc·ture

noun \ˈstrək-chər\

Definition of STRUCTURE

1

: the action of building : construction

2

a : something (as a building) that is constructed

b : something arranged in a definite pattern of organization <a rigid totalitarian structure — J. L. Hess> <leaves and other plant structures>

3

: manner of construction : makeup <Gothic in structure>

4

a : the arrangement of particles or parts in a substance or body <soil structure> <molecular structure>

b : organization of parts as dominated by the general character of the whole <economic structure> <personality structure>

c : coherent form or organization <tried to give some structure to the children's lives>

5

: the aggregate of elements of an entity in their relationships to each other <the structure of a language>

— struc·ture·less \-ləs\ adjective

— struc·ture·less·ness \-nəs\ noun

Examples of STRUCTURE

1. They studied the compound's molecular structure.
2. The film had a simple narrative structure.
3. the structure of a plant
4. the social structure of a college campus
5. changes to the company's power structure
6. The structure was damaged by fire.
7. Children need a lot of structure in their lives.

Origin of STRUCTURE

Middle English, from Latin structura, from structus, past participle of struere to heap up, build — more at strew

First Known Use: 15th century

Related to STRUCTURE

Synonyms

edifice, building

Related Words

construction, erection; bungalow, cabin, chalet, cottage, house, lodge, summerhouse; hovel, hut, hutment, shack, shanty, shed; castle, château, estate, hall, manor, mansion, palace, pile, villa; skyscraper, tower

Other Building Terms

batten, cistern, hearth, lath, transom, wainscot

²structure

transitive verb

struc·turedstruc·tur·ing \ˈstrək-chə-riŋ, ˈstrək-shriŋ\

Definition of STRUCTURE

1

: to form into or according to a structure

2

: construct

Examples of STRUCTURE

1. She structured the essay chronologically.

First Known Use of STRUCTURE

circa 1693

Other Building Terms

batten, cistern, hearth, lath, transom, wainscot

struc·ture

noun \ˈstrək-chər\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of STRUCTURE

1

: something (as an anatomical part) arranged in a definite pattern of organization

2

a : the arrangement of particles or parts in a substance or body <molecular structure> b : organization of parts as dominated by the general character of the whole <personality structure>

3

: the aggregate of elements of an entity in their relationships to each other