superstructure

noun

su·​per·​struc·​ture ˈsü-pər-ˌstrək-chər 

1

a

: an entity, concept, or complex based on a more fundamental one

b

: social institutions (such as the law or politics) that are in Marxist theory erected upon the economic base

2

: a structure built as a vertical extension of something else: such as

a

: all of a building above the basement

b

: the structural part of a ship above the main deck

superstructural

ˌsü-pər-ˈstrək-chə-rəl 

-ˈstrək-shrəl

adjective

Examples of superstructure in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The Federal Highway Administration maintains a public database of bridge ratings in every state that considers multiple parts of a bridge’s structure, including the deck, superstructure, substructure and culvert. —Devon Milley, Sacramento Bee, 19 June 2024

Solar panels will also be embedded into the hull sides, superstructure, and bimini, allowing the cat to generate power from the sun. —Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 13 June 2024

The third phase, to occur in 2025, calls for more steel repairs and painting to the bridge's entire superstructure, Shepherd said. —Tom Daykin, Journal Sentinel, 13 June 2024

The project will replace the deck and strengthen the steel superstructure to improve freight travel across the Thames. —Ed Stannard, Hartford Courant, 17 Apr. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1626, in the meaning defined at sense 1a