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institution

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in⋅sti⋅tu⋅tion

  [in-sti-too-shuhn, -tyoo-]
Use institution in a Sentence
–noun
1. an organization, establishment, foundation, society, or the like, devoted to the promotion of a particular cause or program, esp. one of a public, educational, or charitable character: This college is the best institution of its kind.
2. the building devoted to such work.
3. a public or private place for the care or confinement of inmates, esp. mental patients or other disabled or handicapped persons.
4. Sociology. a well-established and structured pattern of behavior or of relationships that is accepted as a fundamental part of a culture, as marriage: the institution of the family.
5. any established law, custom, etc.
6. any familiar, long-established person, thing, or practice; fixture.
7. the act of instituting or setting up; establishment: the institution of laws.
8. Ecclesiastical.
a. the origination of the Eucharist, and enactment of its observance, by Christ.
b. the investment of a member of the clergy with a spiritual charge.
Origin:
1350–1400; ME < L institūtiōn- (s. of institūtiō). See institute, -ion
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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Colleges in New York
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in·sti·tu·tion   (ĭn'stĭ-tōō'shən, -tyōō'-)   
n.  

  1. The act of instituting.

    1. A custom, practice, relationship, or behavioral pattern of importance in the life of a community or society: the institutions of marriage and the family.

    2. Informal One long associated with a specified place, position, or function.

    3. An established organization or foundation, especially one dedicated to education, public service, or culture.

    4. The building or buildings housing such an organization.

    5. A place for the care of persons who are destitute, disabled, or mentally ill.

    1. An established organization or foundation, especially one dedicated to education, public service, or culture.

    2. The building or buildings housing such an organization.

    3. A place for the care of persons who are destitute, disabled, or mentally ill.

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

institution 
1551, "established law or practice," from O.Fr. institution, from L. institutionem (nom. institutio), noun of state from institutus (see institute). Meaning "establishment or organization for the promotion of some charity" is from 1707. Institutionalize "to put into institutional life" (usually depreciatory) is from 1905.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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Legal Dictionary

Main Entry: in·sti·tu·tion
Function: noun
1 : the act of instituting
2 : a significant practice, relationship, or organization in a society or culture institution of marriage>
3 : an established organization or corporation esp. of a public character; specifically : a facility for the treatment or training of persons with mental deficiencies
Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of Law, © 1996 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
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