institution

英[ɪnstɪ'tjuːʃ(ə)n] 美[,ɪnstɪ'tuʃən]

1. an organization founded and united for a specific purpose

2. an establishment consisting of a building or complex of buildings where an organization for the promotion of some cause is situated

3. a custom that for a long time has been an important feature of some group or society;

"the institution of marriage"

"the institution of slavery"

"he had become an institution in the theater"

4. the act of starting something for the first time; introducing something new;

"she looked forward to her initiation as an adult"

"the foundation of a new scientific society"

"he regards the fork as a modern introduction"

5. a hospital for mentally incompetent or unbalanced person