reconstruct

verb

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re·con·struct | \ ˌrē-kən-ˈstrəkt

reconstructed; reconstructing; reconstructs

Definition of reconstruct

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

2a : 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

Other Words from reconstruct More Example Sentences Learn More About reconstruct

Other Words from reconstruct

reconstructible \ ˌrē-kən-ˈstrək-tə-bəl

\ adjective

reconstructive \ ˌrē-kən-ˈstrək-tiv

\ adjective

reconstructor \ ˌrē-kən-ˈstrək-tər

\ 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 By a 6-1 vote this month, with Vice Mayor Lydia Kau voting in opposition, the council approved the plan to tear down the old dormitory building and reconstruct it as classrooms. — Sam Whiting, San Francisco Chronicle, 21 June 2022 The veteran Italian auteur and Cannes aficionado will reconstruct the true tale of Edgardo Mortara, a young Jewish boy who was kidnapped and forcibly raised as a Christian in 19th-century Italy. — Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 18 May 2022 Crews will reconstruct the medians, repaint lines, build additional right turn lanes for traffic turning onto U.S. 31 and add a traffic signal to the I-465 eastbound exit ramp onto U.S. 31. — Kayla Dwyer, The Indianapolis Star, 28 Apr. 2022 The most recent work will reconstruct Interstate 41 northbound lanes, according to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation. — Evan Casey, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 27 Apr. 2022 So many problems and just one summer for the same management that built this mess of a team to reconstruct it properly. — Los Angeles Times, 9 Apr. 2022 Waukegan’s $12 million portion will reconstruct a dock wall along the north portion of the harbor. — Karie Angell Luc, chicagotribune.com, 4 Apr. 2022 The Patels, as best as Canadian and U.S. officials could reconstruct it later, were part of a group of 11 Indian migrants who had assembled in the tiny Canadian town of Emerson and were given instructions on how to cross the border on foot. — New York Times, 14 Mar. 2022 His preference would be to move the whole city to somewhere nearby and reconstruct it. — Saeed Shah, WSJ, 13 Mar. 2022 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'reconstruct.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.