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

Bridges with piers will all have pier caps to transfer the load from the superstructure. —Erin Couch, The Enquirer, 17 Dec. 2024

The exterior is defined by banks of windows across the superstructure and a rear cockpit deck that doubles as a basketball court. —Julia Zaltzman, Robb Report, 12 Dec. 2024

The Acme Novelty Date Book is Ware unplugged, without the superstructure of design, layout and polish that usually stands between him and his audience. —Rob Salkowitz, Forbes, 22 Nov. 2024

Above the superstructure tower: five solid sails covered in 20,000 square feet of solar panels. —Chrissie McClatchie, Robb Report, 31 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1626, in the meaning defined at sense 1a