Architecture \Ar"chi*tec`ture\ (?; 135), n. [L. architectura, fr. architectus: cf. F. architecture. See Architect.]

1. The art or science of building; especially, the art of building houses, churches, bridges, and other structures, for the purposes of civil life; -- often called civil architecture.

Many other architectures besides Gothic. --Ruskin.

3. Construction, in a more general sense; frame or structure; workmanship.

The architecture of grasses, plants, and trees. --Tyndall.

The formation of the first earth being a piece of divine architecture. --Burnet.

Military architecture, the art of fortifications.

Naval architecture, the art of building ships.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)