superstructure

[ soo-per-struhk-cher ]

/ ˈsu pərˌstrʌk tʃər /

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See synonyms for superstructure on Thesaurus.com

noun

the part of a building or construction entirely above its foundation or basement.

any structure built on something else.

the overlying framework or features of an organization, institution, or system, built or superimposed on a more fundamental base.

Nautical. any construction built above the main deck of a vessel as an upward continuation of the sides.Compare deckhouse.

the part of a bridge that rests on the piers and abutments.

anything based on or rising from some foundation or basis: a complex ideological superstructure based on two hypotheses.

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Origin of superstructure

First recorded in 1635–45; super- + structure

OTHER WORDS FROM superstructure

su·per·struc·tur·al, adjective

Words nearby superstructure

superstorm, superstratum, superstring, superstring theory, superstruct, superstructure, supersubtle, supersymmetry, supertall, supertanker, supertask

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use superstructure in a sentence

According to medieval sources, the citadel temple was a grand example of pre-Christian Slavic architecture with the huge timber superstructure being topped by an immaculately placed red roof facade.
The Most Enigmatic Slavic Gods and Goddesses|Dattatreya Mandal|March 13, 2022|Realm of History
Last summer, DeepMind released AlphaFold Multimer, which is designed to predict the structure of protein complexes—superstructures made of multiple proteins clumped together.
This is the reason Demis Hassabis started DeepMind|Will Douglas Heaven|February 23, 2022|MIT Technology Review
Because of its brilliant white color, you don't see a dividing line between the hull and superstructure.
The World's Most Beautiful Boat—Yours for Half a Billion Dollars|Tim Teeman|October 19, 2014|DAILY BEAST
A large metal sign permanently affixed to the superstructure reminded us that we were on the “Sagamore Bridge, 1933-1935.”
It’s Time America Makes Good Again on Its Belief in Public Works and Public Spirit|Daniel Kevles|September 1, 2012|DAILY BEAST

That it was adapted to carry a vast and consistent logical superstructure, gave it beauty.
Paul Krugman: Austerity Is So Wrong!|Paul Krugman|May 6, 2012|DAILY BEAST
We have commenced at the superstructure of the building, instead of the foundation—at the top instead of the bottom.
The Condition, Elevation, Emigration, and Destiny of the Colored People of the United States|Martin R. Delany
The work which he did was in laying foundations, while the superstructure was to be reared in other years and by other hands.
The Makers of Canada: Champlain|N. E. Dionne
The superstructure was merely a cone composed of a framework of poles interlaced with branches and twigs plastered with clay.
The New Stone Age in Northern Europe|John M. Tyler
The American plutocracy has developed upon a superstructure of Puritanism, and therefore, in America, hypocrisy is necessary.
The Book of Life: Vol. I Mind and Body; Vol. II Love and Society|Upton Sinclair
Discusses scientific, artistic and religious activities, as a superstructure built upon the foundation of the standard wage.
The Book of Life: Vol. I Mind and Body; Vol. II Love and Society|Upton Sinclair

British Dictionary definitions for superstructure

superstructure

/ (ˈsuːpəˌstrʌktʃə) /

noun

the part of a building above its foundation

any structure or concept erected on something else

nautical any structure above the main deck of a ship with sides flush with the sides of the hull

the part of a bridge supported by the piers and abutments

(in Marxist theory) an edifice of interdependent agencies of the state, including legal and political institutions and ideologies, each possessing some autonomy but remaining products of the dominant mode of economic production

Derived forms of superstructure

superstructural, adjective

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

superstructure

Origin of superstructure

OTHER WORDS FROM superstructure

Words nearby superstructure

Words related to superstructure

How to use superstructure in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for superstructure

Derived forms of superstructure