n.
Pronunciation: ˌ in(t)-st ə - ' tü-sh ə n, - ' tyü-
Function: noun
Date: 14th century
1 : an act of instituting : ESTABLISHMENT
2 a : a significant practice, relationship, or organization in a society or culture <the institution of marriage> also : something or someone firmly associated with a place or thing <she has become an institution in the theater> b : an established organization or corporation (as a bank or university) especially of a public character also : ASYLUM 4