n.
Function: noun
Date: 1546
: something that is instituted: as a (1) : an elementary principle recognized as authoritative (2) plural : a collection of such principles and precepts especially : a legal compendium b : an organization for the promotion of a cause : ASSOCIATION <a research institute > <an institute for the blind> c : an educational institution and especially one devoted to technical fields d : a usually brief intensive course of instruction on selected topics relating to a particular field <an urban studies institute >