Definition: Structure

1. A cohesive whole built up of distinct parts.

   The birds had built an amazing structure out of sticks and various discarded items.

2. The underlying shape of a solid.

   He studied the structure of her face.

3. The overall form or organization of something.

   The structure of a sentence.

   The structure of the society was still a mystery.

4. A set of rules defining behavior.

   For some, the structure of school life was oppressive.

5. (Template:Context 1) Several pieces of data treated as a unit.

   This structure contains both date and timezone information.

6. (Template:Context 1) Underwater terrain or objects (such as a dead tree or a submerged car) that tend to attract fish

   There's lots of structure to be fished along the west shore of the lake; the impoundment submerged a town there when it was built.

7. A body, such as a political party, with a cohesive purpose or outlook.

   The South African leader went off to consult with the structures.

Synonyms

• (cohesive whole built up of distinct parts): formation
• (underlying shape of a solid): formation
• (overall form or organization of something): makeup, configuration

Credits

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