“Structural” is an adjective that describes something related to or associated with the structure of an object, system, organization, or concept. It implies a focus on the arrangement, organization, or framework that gives something its form or stability. Here are some examples of how “structural” can be used:
- Structural Engineering: This field focuses on the design and analysis of physical structures like buildings, bridges, and dams. Structural engineers ensure these structures are safe, stable, and meet specific design criteria.
- Structural Changes: Refers to significant alterations or modifications made to the fundamental components or organization of something, such as structural changes in a company’s management.
- Structural Integrity: The ability of a structure or system to withstand external forces and maintain its form and function without failure or collapse.
- Structural Components: The individual parts or elements that make up a larger structure, like the structural components of an aircraft.
- Structural Biology: A scientific discipline that studies the three-dimensional structures of biological molecules, such as proteins and nucleic acids, to understand their functions.
- Structural Equation Modeling (SEM): A statistical method used in social sciences to analyze relationships between variables and test complex structural models.
- Structural Linguistics: An approach to linguistics that focuses on the underlying structure of language, including grammar and syntax.
- Structural Realism: A philosophical position that suggests scientific theories aim to describe the structure of the world accurately, rather than providing a complete representation of reality.
- Structural Functionalism: A sociological theory that views society as a complex system of interrelated parts, each with a specific function contributing to the stability and functioning of the whole.
- Structural Unemployment: A type of unemployment that results from a mismatch between the skills of job seekers and the available job opportunities in a particular market.
In these contexts, “structural” emphasizes the importance of the underlying arrangement, organization, or framework that defines and supports various aspects of the subject matter.