- a structure, pattern, etc, that forms the basis of anything
- a structure forming a foundation or framework for a building or other construction
WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026
sub•struc•ture /sʌbˈstrʌktʃɚ, ˈsʌbˌstrʌk-/USA pronunciation
n. [countable]
WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026- Buildinga structure forming the foundation of a building or other construction.
- any foundation or supporting structure;
basis.
sub•struc•ture
(sub struk′chər, sub′struk′-),USA pronunciation n.
sub•struc′tur•al, adj.
- Buildinga structure forming the foundation of a building or other construction.
- Civil Engineeringthe foundations, piers, and abutments upon which the trusses or girders of the spans of a bridge rest.
- any basic structure or organization.
- sub- + structure 1720–30
Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::
substructure /ˈsʌbˌstrʌktʃə/ n
'substructure' also found in these entries (note: many are not synonyms or translations):