institution

noun

1. an organization founded and united for a specific purpose

   noun.group

   Synonyms establishment

   Source: WordNet 3.0

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

   noun.artifact

   Source: WordNet 3.0

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

   noun.cognition

   Examples

   The institution of marriage.

   The institution of slavery.

   He had become an institution in the theater.

   Source: WordNet 3.0

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

   noun.act

   Synonyms creation foundation founding initiation innovation instauration introduction origination

   Source: WordNet 3.0

5. a hospital for mentally incompetent or unbalanced person

   noun.artifact

   Synonyms asylum insane asylum mental home mental hospital mental institution psychiatric hospital

   Source: WordNet 3.0

6. The act or process of instituting; as: <sd><i>(a)</i></sd> Establishment; foundation; enactment; as, the <i>institution</i> of a school.

   noun

   Source: webster1913