architecture

Borrowed from French architecture, from Latin architectūra. Originally from architect, from Ancient Greek ἀρχιτέκτων (arkhitéktōn, “architect”) meaning chief builder (principal craftsman).

• (Received Pronunciation) IPA^(key): /ˈɑː.kɪ.ˌtɛk.tʃə/
• (General American) IPA^(key): /ˈɑɹkɪtɛktʃɚ/

• Audio (US)

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• Hyphenation: ar‧chi‧tec‧ture

architecture (countable and uncountable, plural architectures)

1. The art and science of designing and managing the construction of buildings and other structures, particularly if they are well proportioned and decorated.

   The architecture throughout NYC is amazing.

   Architecture is the visual public expression of a culture’s achievements, values, and outlook. ― Max Roscoe, "How Your City Is Killing You With Ugliness"

2. The profession of an architect.
3. Any particular style of building design.
4. Construction, in a more general sense; frame or structure; workmanship.
   • Tyndall

     the architecture of grasses, plants, and trees

   • Burnet

     the formation of the first earth being a piece of divine architecture

5. A unifying structure.
6. (computing) A specific model of a microchip or CPU.

   The Intel architectures have more software written for them.

7. The structure and design of a system or product.
   • 2004, Prof P.C.P. Bhatt, (nptel.iitm.ac.in) Module 14: Unix Kernel Architecture

     The kernel runs the show, i.e. it manages all the operations in a Unix flavored environment. The kernel architecture must support the primary Unix requirements. These requirements fall in two categories namely, functions for process management and functions for file management (files include device files). Process management entails allocation of resources including CPU, memory, and offers services that processes may need. The file management in itself involves handling all the files required by processes, communication with device drives and regulating transmission of data to and from peripherals.

   The architecture of the company's billing system is designed to support its business goals.

Appendix:Glossary of architecture

From Latin architectūra

• IPA^(key): /aʁ.ʃi.tɛk.tyʁ/

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architecture f (plural architectures)

1. architecture

• architecte
• architectural
• architecturer

• “architecture” in le Trésor de la langue française informatisé (The Digitized Treasury of the French Language).