edifice

[ ed-uh-fis ]

noun

1. a building, especially one of large size or imposing appearance.
2. any large, complex system or organization.

edifice

/ ˌɛdɪˈfɪʃəl; ˈɛdɪfɪs /

noun

1. a building, esp a large or imposing one
2. a complex or elaborate institution or organization

Derived Forms

• edificial, adjective

Other Words From

• ed·i·fi·cial [ed-, uh, -, fish, -, uh, l], adjective
• uned·i·ficial adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of edifice¹

1350–1400; Middle English < Anglo-French, Middle French < Latin aedificium, equivalent to aedific ( āre ) to build ( edify ) + -ium -ium

Word History and Origins

Origin of edifice¹

C14: from Old French, from Latin aedificium, from aedificāre to build; see edify

Synonym Study

See building.

Related Words

• monument
• skyscraper