What does "structure" mean?

1. (a building) something that has been built, such as a house, bridge, or tower. 2. (organization) the way that the parts of something are arranged or put together. 3. (data unit) a group of different pieces of information treated as one single unit. 4. (fishing spot) objects under the water, like trees or rocks, where fish like to hide. 5. (to arrange) to plan or organize something in a clear way.

structure

n. · v.

US //ˈstɹəktʃɝ// UK //stɹˈʌktʃɐ// struc·ture

1 a building (n.)
A2 Elementary

something that has been built, such as a house, bridge, or tower.

a physical construction or building, often of considerable size or complexity.

Example

The ancient stone structure has stood on the hill for over five hundred years.

Example

Engineers inspected the steel structure of the bridge to ensure it could withstand the increased weight of modern heavy-rail traffic.
2 organization (n.)
B1 Intermediate Academic

the way that the parts of something are arranged or put together.

the arrangement of and relations between the parts or elements of something complex.

Example

The teacher helped the students plan the structure of their essays.

Example

The internal structure of the corporation was redesigned to facilitate better communication between the research and marketing departments.
- chaos
- disorder

Show 3 more sensesShow fewer

3 data unit (n.)
C1 Advanced Technical Computing

a group of different pieces of information treated as one single unit.

a data type that groups together variables under one name; often used to represent a record.

Example

The programmer defined a new structure to store the user's name and age.

Example

Efficiently managing the data structure is critical for reducing the latency of the search algorithm during high-traffic periods.
- record
- object
4 fishing spot (n.)
C2 Proficiency Technical

objects under the water, like trees or rocks, where fish like to hide.

submerged objects or terrain features that provide cover and attract fish populations.

Example

We caught several large bass hiding near the structure of the fallen tree.

Example

Experienced anglers often use sonar to locate underwater structure where predatory fish are likely to congregate during the warmer months.
- cover
- terrain
5 to arrange (v.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Academic

to plan or organize something in a clear way.

to give a definite and organized form to something; to arrange according to a plan.

Example

You should structure your day so you have time for both work and rest.

Example

The legal team worked through the night to structure the merger agreement in a way that satisfied the regulatory requirements of both countries.
- disorganize

Origin

From Middle French structure, from Latin structūra (“a fitting together, adjustment, building, erection, a building, edifice, structure”), from struere, past participle structus (“pile up, arrange, assemble, build”). Compare construct, instruct, destroy, etc.