constitutive

American  

[kon-sti-too-tiv, -tyoo-] / ˈkɒn stɪˌtu tɪv, -ˌtyu- /

adjective

1. constituent; making a thing what it is; essential.

2. having power to establish or enact.

3. Physics, Chemistry. pertaining to a molecular property determined primarily by the arrangement of atoms in the molecule rather than by their nature or number.

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constitutive British  

/ ˈkɒnstɪˌtjuːtɪv /

adjective

1. having power to enact, appoint, or establish

2. chem (of a physical property) determined by the arrangement of atoms in a molecule rather than by their nature

3. biochem (of an enzyme) formed continuously, irrespective of the cell's needs

4. another word for constituent

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Other Word Forms

• constitutively adverb

Etymology

Origin of constitutive

First recorded in 1585–95; constitute + -ive

Example Sentences

"We shall always support anything that all three constitutive peoples agree upon," Vucic said, referring to Bosnia's Orthodox Serbs, Catholic Croats and Muslim Bosniaks.

From Reuters • Apr. 15, 2023

But in Meacham’s treatment, such personal details function as supporting pieces in a story designed around high-stakes campaign speeches, the constitutive ritual of inaugurations and grave moments of statesmanship.

From Washington Post • Oct. 24, 2022

In their view, logic is a constitutive norm of reasoning—that is, logic constitutes what reasoning is.

From Textbooks • Jun. 15, 2022

It is constitutive of being human, just as are creativity, courage, ambition, attachment and love.

From The Guardian • May 7, 2020

Nevertheless, we cannot find the constitutive principle of the Church in the sacraments alone.

From The Catholic World; Volume I, Issues 1-6 A Monthly Eclectic Magazine by Rameur, E.