reconstruct

verb

Save Word

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

Keep scrolling for more

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 The project on the ramp from I-94 eastbound to I-41/894 will reconstruct the pavement and the subsurface to address ongoing pavement issues that have caused the roadway to heave. — Bob Dohr, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Pavement repair project on the Zoo Interchange will shut down two ramps beginning Sunday," 20 Apr. 2021 In the Tinley Park and Mokena area, the county plans to spend $30.8 million to widen and reconstruct 80th Avenue from 191st to 183rd streets. — Michelle Mullins, chicagotribune.com, "Will County moves forward with construction projects near Tinley Park, New Lenox and Homer Glen," 16 Apr. 2021 Yet in Chicago, plans are in the works to use the federal grants to extend the Red Line and reconstruct the Blue and Brown lines. — Steve Chapman, chicagotribune.com, "Column: Mass transit has to change for the post-pandemic world," 9 Apr. 2021 In 1911, the city was finally able to reconstruct and restore the house. — Jennifer Billock, Smithsonian Magazine, "Follow Dante’s Footsteps Through Italy," 8 Apr. 2021 The consulting firm was awarded nearly $7 million in 2018 for a relief program intended to help reconstruct homes in West Virginia after devastating floods that ended up stretching out for two years. — Dom Difurio, Dallas News, "Bumpy state rollout means federal COVID relief may not reach Texas renters before evictions do," 6 Apr. 2021 IceCube contains more than 5000 light detectors watching the deep, transparent ice to pin down the timing and brightness of the flash, from which researchers can reconstruct the neutrino’s energy and path. — Daniel Clery, Science | AAAS, "Neutrino hunters go underwater in quest to trap ghost particles," 31 Mar. 2021 The next phase of research, already underway, includes searching for traces of DNA that could be used to determine the species present, and even reconstruct the entire ecosystem. — Gemma Tarlach, Wired, "Fossils in a Forgotten Ice Core Rewrite Greenland’s Icy Past," 20 Mar. 2021 In the lengthy investigation that followed, the National Transportation Safety Board had workers salvage the remains from the ocean floor and painstakingly reconstruct the plane. — Michael Gold, New York Times, "Wreckage of T.W.A. Flight 800 to Be Destroyed Years After Explosion," 25 Feb. 2021

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.

Keep scrolling for more