architectonic

American  

[ahr-ki-tek-ton-ik] / ˌɑr kɪ tɛkˈtɒn ɪk /

adjective

1. of or relating to the principles of architecture.

2. resembling architecture, especially in its highly organized manner or technique of structure.

   the architectonic perfection of his new novel.

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architectonic British  

/ ˌɑːkɪtɛkˈtɒnɪk /

adjective

1. denoting, relating to, or having architectural qualities

2. metaphysics of or relating to the systematic classification of knowledge

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Other Word Forms

• nonarchitectonic
  adjective
• architectonically
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of architectonic

1635–45; < Latin architectonicus < Greek architektonikós of, belonging to architecture. See archi-, tectonic

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

architectonic

But he is best known for his inimitable, Surrealist pictures featuring skeletal, architectonic figures—merging humans, animals, foliage, totems and signs—which, though indecipherable, are instantly recognizable.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jan. 31, 2026

"A monumental architectonic work, with dimensions comparable to those of the National Mall, in Washington, D.C.," wrote the New Yorker in 2016.

From Salon ● Oct. 25, 2022

This architectonic quality makes them compatible with the work of the venue’s other current featured artist, Jean Sausele-Knodt, whose 3D wall sculptures have been reviewed in this column previously.

From Washington Post ● Sep. 23, 2022

Standing by itself, it would come across as simply architectonic.

From New York Times ● Aug. 11, 2022

The defect in a higher and more architectonic theory of the world with which he has been charged is not quite justly chargeable, for from his point of view no such theory was possible.

From A History of Nineteenth Century Literature (1780-1895) by George Saintsbury