constitution

noun con·sti·tu·tion \ˌkän(t)-stə-ˈtü-shən, -ˈtyü-\

: the system of beliefs and laws by which a country, state, or organization is governed

: a document that describes this system

: the physical health and condition of a person or animal

Full Definition of CONSTITUTION

: an established law or custom : ordinance

a : the physical makeup of the individual especially with respect to the health, strength, and appearance of the body <a hearty constitution>

b : the structure, composition, physical makeup, or nature of something <the constitution of society>

: the act of establishing, making, or setting up

: the mode in which a state or society is organized; especially : the manner in which sovereign power is distributed

a : the basic principles and laws of a nation, state, or social group that determine the powers and duties of the government and guarantee certain rights to the people in it

b : a written instrument embodying the rules of a political or social organization

— con·sti·tu·tion·less \-ləs\ adjective

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First Known Use of CONSTITUTION

14th century

Related to CONSTITUTION

Synonyms: character, clay, colors, complexion, nature, genius, personality, self, tone

Other Legal Terms

actionable, alienable, carceral, chattel, complicity, decedent, larceny, malfeasance, modus operandi

Rhymes with CONSTITUTION

absolution, allocution, attribution, comminution, consecution, contribution, convolution, destitution, dissolution, distribution, elocution, evolution, execution, exsolution, institution, involution, persecution, prosecution, prostitution, resolution, restitution, retribution, revolution, Rosicrucian, substitution

CONSTITUTION Defined for Kids

constitution

noun con·sti·tu·tion \ˌkän-stə-ˈtü-shən, -ˈtyü-\

Definition of CONSTITUTION for Kids

: the physical makeup of an individual

: the basic structure of something

: the basic beliefs and laws of a nation, state, or social group by which the powers and duties of the government are established and certain rights are guaranteed to the people or a document that sets forth these beliefs and laws

Medical Dictionary