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Glite Dictionary
bodily structure

bodily structure

6.3
A complex part of a living body made of pieces arranged to do a job
  • noun
  • /ˈbɑːdɪli ˈstrʌkʧər/
  • Specialized
translation icon : estructura corporal
  • Many animals have evolved unique bodily structures that help them adapt to their environments.

Examples

  • Genetic disorders can sometimes affect the development of a bodily structure.

  • The diagram highlighted the intricate bodily structures involved in digestion.

  • The physiologist explained how each bodily structure has a distinct function within the organism.

  • The bodily structure is fascinating.

  • Did you notice the bodily structure?

  • The doctor explained how each bodily structure works together to maintain overall health.

  • Research in biology often focuses on the various bodily structures that enable different functions in organisms.

Synonyms

structure
vsbodily structure
790 3.5

How parts are arranged in a system like a society or text

applies this idea specifically to complex parts of living organisms
body part
vsbodily structure
83 1.0

A part of a living body, like an arm or heart

is narrower, pointing to complex parts defined by their construction and layout
anatomical structure
vsbodily structure
  • Specialized
1 5.3

A part of a living thing that has a specific shape and job in the body

focuses more on the component's construction and placement than on function
body structure
vsbodily structure
  • Specialized
4.0

The way the parts of a living body are arranged to give it shape and help it move

is the general label emphasizing how that component is formed and arranged
organum
vsbodily structure
  • Archaic
8.9

A body part that does a particular job, for example the heart or liver

highlights construction and arrangement rather than primary functional role

Antonyms

chaos
438 3.1

A situation with no order where people are confused and cannot act normally

disorganization
  • US
7 3.8

A lack of order or system that makes things untidy

How Complex

organism
229 3.5
system
856 3.3
bodily structure
  • Specialized
6.3
tissue
  • Specialized
470 3.2
cell
  • Specialized
917 2.1

Surface Forms

bodily structure singular
bodily structures plural

Morphology

bodily + structure

The meaning 'a part of an organism's anatomy' is directly and predictably built from 'bodily' (relating to the body) modifying 'structure' (an arrangement or organization). This simple modifier + head composition is cross-linguistically common, so a B1 learner who knows both words should readily infer the MWE's meaning.

Etymology

Bodily structure comes from thinking of the body like a building: body is the whole living thing and structure is the frame that holds the parts together. So, bodily structure means a part or the 'arrangement' of parts in a living body.