infrastructure

in-fra-struc-ture · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    The basic physical and organizational structures and facilities needed for the operation of a society or enterprise.

  2. 2.

    The underlying framework or basic features of a system or organization.

Forms

plural: infrastructures

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    critical infrastructure — essential systems and assets
  • •
    infrastructure investment — spending on basic systems and facilities
  • •
    digital infrastructure — technology systems and networks

Related words

See also: foundation, framework, structure
Synonyms: facilities, foundation, framework

Etymology

From French infrastructure, from Latin infra ("below") + structura ("structure"). Originally a military term for installations beneath military bases, adopted broadly in the mid-20th century.