constitution

 
Pronunciation: /kɒnstɪˈtjuːʃ(ə)n/

noun

  • 1a body of fundamental principles or established precedents according to which a state or other organization is acknowledged to be governed: Britain lacks a codified constitution
  • (the Constitution) the basic written set of principles and precedents of federal government in the US, which came into operation in 1789 and has since been modified by twenty-six amendments.
  • historical a decree, ordinance, or law.
  • 2 [mass noun] the composition of something: the genetic constitution of a species
  • the action of forming or establishing something: the constitution of a police authority
  • 3a person’s physical state as regards vitality, health, and strength: pregnancy had weakened her constitution
  • a person’s character: the individual’s constitution is commonly described as his nature

Origin:

Middle English (denoting a law, or a body of laws or customs): from Latin constitutio(n-), from constituere 'establish, appoint' (see constitute)