construction

—constructional, adj. —constructionally, adv.

/keuhn struk"sheuhn/, n.

1. the act or art of constructing.

2. the way in which a thing is constructed: a building of solid construction.

3. something that is constructed; a structure.

4. the occupation or industry of building: He works in construction.

5. Gram.

a. the arrangement of two or more forms in a grammatical unit. Constructions involving bound forms are often called morphological, as the bound forms fif- and -teen. Those involving only free forms are often called syntactic, as the good man, in the house. Cf. bound form, free form.

b. a word or phrase consisting of two or more forms arranged in a particular way.

c. a group of words or morphemes for which there is a rule in some part of the grammar.

6. explanation or interpretation, as of a law, a text, or an action.

[1350-1400; ME ( < MF) < L construction- (s. of constructio) a putting together, building, equiv. to construct(us) (see CONSTRUCT) + -ion- -ION]

Syn. 6. version, rendition, story.

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(as used in expressions)

building construction

lift slab construction

light frame construction

pole construction

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      the erection or assembly of large structures. The term construction is to a significant degree synonymous with building, but in common usage it most often is applied to such major works as buildings, ships, aircraft, and public works such as roads, dams, and bridges.

      Construction is treated in a number of articles. For the history and principal treatments of the major types of construction, see building construction; engineering; aerospace industry; ship construction; roads and highways; bridge; canals and inland waterways; dam; harbours and sea works; lighthouse; environmental works; tunnels and underground excavations. For descriptions of some of the chief materials used in construction, see forestry; industrial ceramics; industrial glass; metallurgy.

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