mindmap root((结构)) structure the most general term, refers to any whole, natural or artificial, material or immaterial, and may be used specifically of the parts or arrangements that give a whole its characteristic form or nature: studied the ~ of the atom. anatomy applies principally to the structure of an organism or any of its parts: the ~ of the heart; but is likely to stress examination of parts and study of their relation to a whole: described the ~ of a political campaign. framework is used chiefly with reference to an artificial supporting construction that serves as a prop or guide but is not visible in the finished whole: the ~ of a sofa. skeleton applies to the bony framework of the animal body: found only the ~ of a mouse; or may imply either a carefully developed and articulated design or a sketchy conception of the whole that serves as a starting point: roughed out the ~ of the novel.