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.

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

Other Word Forms

• structurally adverb
• nonstructural adjective
• nonstructurally adverb
• unstructural adjective
• unstructurally adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of structural¹

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

Example Sentences

Secondly, it also ensures that central areas behind the ball are occupied by good defenders, providing structural and individual defensive quality.

From BBC

"At this stage, it appears the only way for Google to end its conflict of interest effectively is with a structural remedy, such as selling some part of its ad tech business," she said.

From BBC

When the story of the 63-year-old's time in the boardroom is told and his legacy takes shape, it will be one of financial and structural success, but underachievement on it.

From BBC

She wants to be known as a reforming chancellor who made much-needed structural reforms to how the tax system operates, in a bid to boost economic productivity and growth to improve living standards.

From BBC

In recent days long-term borrowing costs across the world have increased, amid concerns about political uncertainty, levels of debt, and a structural shift in pension funds away from such bonds.

From BBC

Related Words

• anatomical 
• architectural 
• basic 
• constitutional 
• skeletal