constitution
UK: ˌkɒnstɪˈtjuːʃən | US: ˌkɑːnstɪˈtuːʃən
n. the fundamental laws or principles governing a nation or organization
n. the physical or mental makeup of a person or thing
n. the act of forming or establishing something
The word "constitution" derives from Latin constitutio, meaning "a setting up" or "arrangement." The morpheme con- (together) combines with stit- (from stare, "to stand"), suggesting the idea of "standing together" as a unified system. The suffix -ution transforms the verb into a noun, reflecting the established structure of laws or physical composition. Over time, it evolved from general "arrangement" to specifically denote foundational governance (e.g., a national constitution) or inherent qualities (e.g., bodily constitution).
The U.S. Constitution guarantees freedom of speech.
Her strong constitution allowed her to recover quickly from illness.
The constitution of the committee took several months.
Scientists study the chemical constitution of stars.
A written constitution defines the limits of governmental power.