Dictionary.com

constitution

[ kon-sti-too-shuhn, -tyoo- ]
/ ˌkɒn stɪˈtu ʃən, -ˈtyu- /
SEE SYNONYMS FOR constitution ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

QUIZZES

TAKE THIS QUIZ IF A DAZZLING VOCABULARY IS YOUR DESIDERATUM!

Have the Words of the Day from October 19–25, 2020, made an indelible mark on your memory? Take the quiz to find out!
Question 1 of 7
What does “clement” mean?
having or claiming to have the power of seeing objects or actions beyond the range of natural vision.
mild or merciful in disposition or character; lenient; compassionate.
favorite; cherished.
TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of constitution

1350–1400; Middle English constitucion edict, ordinance <Anglo-French <Latin constitūtiōn- (stem of constitūtiō). See constitute, -ion

OTHER WORDS FROM constitution

an·ti·con·sti·tu·tion, adjective

Words nearby constitution

constituency, constituent, Constituent Assembly, constituent structure, constitute, constitution, constitutional, Constitutional Convention, Constitutional Democratic Party, constitutional disease, constitutionalism
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

Content related to constitution

Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious, Tatterdemalion, And Other Trending Words On Dictionary.comA sequel to a treasured children's film and a celebration of the nation's laws both landed on the Dictionary.com trending words list for September 14–21, 2018. Here's what else had you wondering about words.
READ MORE

Words related to constitution

structure, nature, charter, code, legislation, custom, form, habit, character, frame, temperament, physique, habitus, vitality, temper, content, construction, formation, architecture, disposition

Example sentences from the Web for constitution

British Dictionary definitions for constitution

constitution
/ (ˌkɒnstɪˈtjuːʃən) /

noun

the act of constituting or state of being constituted
the way in which a thing is composed; physical make-up; structure
the fundamental political principles on which a state is governed, esp when considered as embodying the rights of the subjects of that state
(often capital) (in certain countries, esp Australia and the US) a statute embodying such principles
a person's state of health
a person's disposition of mind; temperament
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Medical definitions for constitution

constitution
[ kŏn′stĭ-tōō′shən ]

n.

The physical makeup of the body, including its functions, metabolic processes, reactions to stimuli, and resistance to the attack of pathogenic organisms.
The composition or structure of a molecule.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.

Cultural definitions for constitution (1 of 2)

constitution

A nation or state's fundamental set of laws. Most nations with constitutions have them in written form, such as the United States Constitution. The constitution of Britain, by contrast, is an informal set of traditions, based on several different laws.

Cultural definitions for constitution (2 of 2)

Constitution

The fundamental law of the United States, drafted in Philadelphia in 1787 (see Constitutional Convention), ratified in 1788, and put into effect in 1789. It established a strong central government in place of the Articles of Confederation. (See Preamble to the Constitution.)

The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.