constitutive
UK: /kənˈstɪtjʊtɪv/ | US: /kənˈstɪtʃətɪv/
adj. forming an essential or inherent part of something
adj. having the power to establish or give legal force to something
adj. (biology) relating to the continuous production of a substance
Derived from Latin constituere ("to set up, establish"), combining con- (intensive prefix) and statuere ("to stand, place"). The root stit- (from stare, "to stand") reflects the idea of something being "fixed" or "established" as a fundamental part. Over time, -ive was added to form an adjective, emphasizing the inherent or defining nature of the subject.
Freedom of speech is a constitutive principle of democracy.
The constitutive rules of the game must be agreed upon before play begins.
This enzyme is constitutive and always active in the cell.
The treaty served as a constitutive document for the new alliance.
His role was constitutive in shaping the company’s early policies.