structural

[ struhk-cher-uhl ]

adjective

1. of or relating to structure; relating or essential to a structure.
2. resulting from or relating to political or economic structure: structural inequalities;

   structural reforms to the social safety net;

   structural inequalities;

   structural racism.

3. Biology. relating to organic structure; morphological.
4. Geology. of or relating to geological structure, as of rock or strata.
5. Chemistry. relating to or showing the arrangement or mode of attachment of the atoms that constitute a molecule of a substance. Compare structural formula.
6. of, relating to, or based on the assumption that the elements of a field of study are naturally arranged in a systematic structure:

   structural grammar.

noun

1. Building Trades.
   1. a part of a structure that carries a load.
   2. the structural member used for such a part.

structural

/ ˈstrʌktʃərəl /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or having structure or a structure
2. of, relating to, or forming part of the structure of a building
3. of or relating to the structure and deformation of rocks and other features of the earth's crust
4. of or relating to the structure of organisms; morphological
5. chem of, concerned with, caused by, or involving the arrangement of atoms in molecules

Derived Forms

• ˈstructurally, adverb

Other Words From

• struc·tur·al·ly adverb
• non·struc·tur·al adjective
• non·struc·tur·al·ly adverb
• un·struc·tur·al adjective
• un·struc·tur·al·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of structural¹

First recorded in 1825–35; structure + -al ¹

Example Sentences

The group will assess structural integrity and recommend safety measures in an effort to prevent future tragedies.

From BBC

The exercises demonstrated repeatedly that an authoritarian in control of the executive branch with little concern for legal limits holds a structural advantage over any lawful effort to restrain him.

From Salon

It never once succumbed to late 30s comfort or malaise, and instead delivered a chaotic charge of restlessness and structural invention.

From Los Angeles Times

Research shows structural violations of the rights of people who are involuntarily admitted or treated.

From Salon

Potential uses of the material include measuring forces and structural monitoring.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• anatomical
• architectural
• basic
• constitutional
• skeletal