structure

 
Pronunciation: /ˈstrʌktʃə/

noun

  • 1the arrangement of and relations between the parts or elements of something complex: the two sentences have equivalent structures the company’s weakness is the inflexibility of its management structure
  • [mass noun] the quality of being organized: we shall use three headings to give some structure to the discussion
  • 2a building or other object constructed from several parts: the station is a magnificent structure and should not be demolished

verb

[with object]
  • construct or arrange according to a plan; give a pattern or organization to: services must be structured so as to avoid pitfalls

Derivatives

structureless

adjective

Origin:

late Middle English (denoting the process of building): from Old French, or from Latin structura, from struere 'to build'. The verb is rarely found before the 20th century