superstructure

play

noun su·per·struc·ture \-ˌstrək-chər\

Definition of superstructure

1a : an entity, concept, or complex based on a more fundamental oneb : social institutions (such as the law or politics) that are in Marxist theory erected upon the economic base
2 : a structure built as a vertical extension of something else: such asa : all of a building above the basementb : the structural part of a ship above the main deck

superstructural

play \ˌsü-pər-ˈstrək-chə-rəl, -ˈstrək-shrəl\ adjective

See superstructure defined for English-language learners

Recent Examples of superstructure from the Web

The team says the design of the superstructure undersides, which are beveled and streamlined, allow more light in and give them a lighter appearance.

— andres viglucci, miamiherald, "Rival I-395 plans would bring iconic bridges, parks, sunlight to downtown and Overtown", 25 May 2017
Armor ($$$$) $81.8 Million Since Gundanium — the immutable, heat-resistant, electrically neutral alloy used in the TV series — doesn’t actually exist, Furuta designed his robot’s honeycomb superstructure to be made of an aluminum alloy.

— lisa katayama, WIRED, "DIY Battle Bot? All You Need Is $742 Million and No Sense of Reality!", 24 Mar. 2008

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