ˌkänztəˈt(y)üshən, -än(t)stəˈt(y)-, rapid -än(t)səˈt(y)- or -än(t)ˈst(y)-; ˈ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷ˈ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷ noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English constitucioun, from Middle French constitution, from Latin constitution-, constitutio, from constitutus + -ion-, -io -ion
1.
a.
(1) : an authoritative ordinance or enactment
(2) : an enactment of a Roman emperor
b. : an established law or settled custom : ordinance
the sacred constitutions of the church
2. : the act of establishing, making, or setting up
before the constitution of the civil laws
3.
a. : the whole physical makeup of the individual comprising the inherited qualities as modified by the environment : physique — compare diathesis
b. archaic : the aggregate of an individual's mental powers or qualities : temperament , disposition
4. : the mode or manner in which something is constituted, constructed, or organized : the structure, composition, physical makeup, or nature of anything specifically as determined by the interrelation of its atoms, elements, or parts
the constitution of the sun
the constitution of society
specifically : the structure of a compound as determined by the kind, number, and arrangement of atoms in its molecule
5. : the mode in which a state or society is organized ; especially : the manner in which sovereign power is distributed
democratic constitution
6.
a. : the system or body of fundamental rules and principles of a nation, state, or body politic that determines the powers and duties of the government and guarantees certain rights to the people — see flexible constitution , rigid constitution , unwritten constitution
b. : the written instrument embodying these fundamental rules and constituting the organic law of the land
c. : the basic rules governing a social or professional organization
Synonyms: see physique