structur

. (Chem.) a symbolic representation of the structure of one molecule of a chemical compound, showing the attachments of the atoms to each other, and representing their arrangement in space; the spatial representation is symbolic and approximate, and it may or may not depict the stereochemical relations of the bonds. Distinguished from empirical formula. See also Rational formula, under Formula. [ PJC ]

. (Engin. & Arch.) The shape of a member especially adapted to structural purposes, esp. in giving the greatest strength with the least material. Hence, Colloq., any steel or iron member of such shape, as channel irons, I beams, T beams, etc., or, sometimes, a column, girder, etc., built up with such members. [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ]

. (a) Rolled steel in structural shapes. (b) A kind of strong mild steel, suitable for structural shapes. [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ]

n. [ L. structura, from struere, structum, to arrange, build, construct; perhaps akin to E. strew: cf. F. structure. Cf. Construe, Destroy, Instrument, Obstruct. ] 1. The act of building; the practice of erecting buildings; construction. [ R. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

His son builds on, and never is content
Till the last farthing is in structure spent. J. Dryden, Jr. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Manner of building; form; make; construction. [ 1913 Webster ]

Want of insight into the structure and constitution of the terraqueous globe. Woodward. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. Arrangement of parts, of organs, or of constituent particles, in a substance or body; as, the structure of a rock or a mineral; the structure of a sentence. [ 1913 Webster ]

It [ basalt ] has often a prismatic structure. Dana. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. (Biol.) Manner of organization; the arrangement of the different tissues or parts of animal and vegetable organisms; as, organic structure, or the structure of animals and plants; cellular structure. [ 1913 Webster ]

5. That which is built; a building; esp., a building of some size or magnificence; an edifice. [ 1913 Webster ]

There stands a structure of majestic frame. Pope. [ 1913 Webster ]

Columnar structure. See under Columnar. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. (Biol.) Having a definite organic structure; showing differentiation of parts. [ 1913 Webster ]

The passage from a structureless state to a structured state is itself a vital process. H. Spencer. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. Without a definite structure, or arrangement of parts; without organization; devoid of cells; homogeneous; as, a structureless membrane. [ 1913 Webster ]