edifice

[ed-uh-fis]

noun

1. a building, especially one of large size or imposing appearance.

2. any large, complex system or organization.

edifice

/ ˌɛdɪˈfɪʃəl, ˈɛdɪfɪs /

noun

1. a building, esp a large or imposing one

2. a complex or elaborate institution or organization

Other Word Forms

• edificial adjective
• unedificial adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of edifice¹

1350–1400; Middle English < Anglo-French, Middle French < Latin aedificium, equivalent to aedific ( āre ) to build ( edify ) + -ium -ium

Word History and Origins

Origin of edifice¹

C14: from Old French, from Latin aedificium, from aedificāre to build; see _edify

Synonym Study

See building.

Related Words

• monument 
• skyscraper