architecture

Ar"chi*tec`ture, n. Etym: [L. architectura, fr. architectus: cf. F. architecture. See Architect.] 1. The art or science of building; especially, the art of building houses, churches, bridges, and other structures, for the purposes of civil life; -- often called civil architecture. Many other architectures besides Gothic. Ruskin. 3. Construction, in a more general sense; frame or structure; workmanship. The architecture of grasses, plants, and trees. Tyndall. The formation of the first earth being a piece of divine architecture. Burnet. Military architecture, the art of fortifications. -- Naval architecture, the art of building ships.

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