struc·ture

 noun \ˈstrək-chər\

: the way that something is built, arranged, or organized

: the way that a group of people are organized

: something (such as a house, tower, bridge, etc.) that is built by putting parts together and that usually stands on its own

Full 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> <personalitystructure>

c :  coherent form or organization <tried to give somestructure 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  adjective

— struc·ture·less·ness  noun

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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

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Other Building Terms

batten, cistern, hearth, lath, transom, wainscot