释义 |
con·sti·tu·tion \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 |