reconstruct

verb

re·​con·​struct ˌrē-kən-ˈstrəkt How to pronounce reconstruct (audio)
reconstructed; reconstructing; reconstructs

transitive verb

1
: to construct again: such as
a
: to build or assemble (something) again
reconstruct a damaged chimney
b
medical : to subject (an organ or part) to surgery to re-form its structure or correct a defect
an athlete with a surgically reconstructed shoulder
2
a
: to re-create or reimagine (something from the past) especially by using information acquired through research
reconstructing a lost civilization
The solution is to reconstruct the vocabularies of vanished ancient languages (so-called protolanguages) by comparing vocabularies of modern languages derived from them.Jared Diamond
b
: to create an accurate reenactment or understanding of (a past occurrence or event, such as an accident) by applying scientific principles and techniques to physical evidence
McDaniel hired the firm to reconstruct a fiery collision in Limestone County several years ago in which two young women were killed when their car was engulfed in flames.John Peck
reconstructible adjective
reconstructive adjective
reconstructor noun

Examples of reconstruct in a Sentence

After the earthquake, many houses needed to be reconstructed. Archaeologists were able to reconstruct most of the ancient village from their findings. They are attempting to reconstruct the events that led to the bridge's collapse.
Recent Examples on the Web An Argentine filmmaker, unable to finish editing a movie about his unrequited first love, receives an unexpected invitation to revisit his past, reconstruct his memories, and perhaps even find a new ending to the story. Pat Saperstein, Variety, 13 Sep. 2024 Sodhi’s efforts were supported by Dr. Kanchan Kaur, a surgeon who reconstructs breasts after a mastectomy and who is practicing in Medanta Hospital, where Gupta now works. Kamala Thiagarajan, NPR, 8 Sep. 2024 The team reconstructed the genomes of viruses frozen in the Guliya Glacier. Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 3 Sep. 2024 The woman is lost in a city that is going through an economic crisis and trying to reconstruct itself after the destruction of the 4th of August explosion. Jamie Lang, Variety, 31 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for reconstruct 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'reconstruct.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1762, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of reconstruct was in 1762

Dictionary Entries Near reconstruct

Cite this Entry

“Reconstruct.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reconstruct. Accessed 4 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

reconstruct

verb
re·​con·​struct ˌrē-kən-ˈstrəkt How to pronounce reconstruct (audio)
: to construct again : rebuild, remodel

Medical Definition

reconstruct

transitive verb
re·​con·​struct ˌrē-kən-ˈstrəkt How to pronounce reconstruct (audio)
: to subject (an organ or part) to surgery so as to re-form the structure of or to correct a defect
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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