1 : building especially : a large or massive structure. 2 : a large abstract structure holds together the social edifice— R. H. Tawney.

Why does edifice mean?

a building, especially one of large size or imposing appearance.

What is an example of an edifice?

The definition of an edifice is a complex concept or is a large and imposing building. An example of an edifice is the reasoning behind the theory of relativity. An example of an edifice is a huge, multi-story court house. ... A building, esp. a large, imposing one.