architecture

[ahr-ki-tek-cher] /ˈɑr kɪˌtɛk tʃər/
noun
1.
the profession of designing buildings, open areas, communities, and other artificial constructions and environments, usually with some regard to aesthetic effect. Architecture often includes design or selection of furnishings and decorations, supervision of construction work, and the examination, restoration, or remodeling of existing buildings.
2.
the character or style of building:
the architecture of Paris; Romanesque architecture.
3.
the action or process of building; construction.
4.
the result or product of architectural work, as a building.
5.
buildings collectively.
6.
a fundamental underlying design of computer hardware, software, or both.
7.
the structure of anything:
the architecture of a novel.
Origin
1555-65; (< Middle French) < Latin architectūra. See architect, -ure
Examples from the web for architecture
  • There is no room for the medium-size exhibitions that were a staple of the architecture and design department in its heyday.
  • With each step the architecture-the underlying structure of computing-became more distributed.
  • Modern architecture has also cut off interiors of homes and buildings to the outside world.
  • Now the stunning square is before you, ringed by historic buildings and amazing architecture.
  • The design spans-and expands on-a century of modern architecture.
  • architecture design languages help developers start with a good framework.
  • Here are other little-known but intriguing local architecture guides.
  • The Roman architecture revived in the fifteenth century, and in vogue during that and the two succeeding ones.
  • Some of Hawaii's best architecture can be found underwater.
  • The residents have been diligent in preserving that heritage by their many festivals, foods, architecture and traditions.
British Dictionary definitions for architecture

architecture

/ˈɑːkɪˌtɛktʃə/
noun
1.
the art and science of designing and superintending the erection of buildings and similar structures
2.
a style of building or structure: Gothic architecture
3.
buildings or structures collectively
4.
the structure or design of anything: the architecture of the universe
5.
the internal organization of a computer's components with particular reference to the way in which data is transmitted
6.
the arrangement of the various devices in a complete computer system or network
Derived Forms
architectural, adjective
architecturally, adverb
Word Origin and History for architecture
n.

1560s, from Middle French architecture, from Latin architectura, from architectus "architect" (see architect).

architecture in Technology

architecture
Design, the way components fit together. The term is used particularly of processors, both individual and in general. "The ARM has a really clean architecture". It may also be used of any complex system, e.g. "software architecture", "network architecture".
(1995-05-02)