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Glite Dictionary
superstructure

superstructure

9 7.0
The part of a building or ship that stands above its base
  • noun
  • /ˈsuːpərˌstrʌkʧər/
  • Specialized
translation icon : superestructura
  • They found that the superstructure of the building was severely damaged after the storm.
  • bay superstructure
  • a ramshackle superstructure
  • a large superstructure

Examples

  • During the inspection, the engineers examined the superstructure of the ship to ensure it was safe for sailing.

  • We'll use the superstructure of the city to mask our approach.

    White House Down (2013)

  • Port side, third deck, middle of the superstructure.

    Miami Vice (2006)

  • It's like going on a tunnel because you had this big metal superstructure above you, on both sides of you.

    After Death (2023)

  • The superstructure has been compromised.

    Superman vs. The Elite (2012)

  • All are locked to the ship superstructure to keep the containers in place during voyages.

    Academic text (2008)

  • We see a technician in a hard hat walking towards one of the superstructure's elevators.

    Fiction book (1997)

  • Ahead, Leland spotted the iron bridge, a single span, the superstructure once painted black now rusting.

    Fiction book (1992)

  • The architect designed a beautiful superstructure that stands proudly above the city streets.

Antonyms

foundation
  • Specialized
127 3.6

The lowest part of a building that supports and spreads its weight

How High

superstructure
  • Specialized
9 7.0
foundation
  • Specialized
127 3.6

Surface Forms

superstructure singular
superstructures plural

Morphology

superstructure = structure (transparent) = super + structure

The meaning is directly composed from the productive prefix 'super-' (above/over) and 'structure' (built entity), so learners can infer 'the part above the base'.

Etymology

The word superstructure breaks into super- meaning 'above' and structure meaning 'something built'. So a superstructure is the part of a building or ship that sits 'above' its base or main deck.