framework

A support structure comprising joined parts or conglomerated particles and intervening open spaces of similar or larger size.literally

The arrangement of support beams that represent a building's general shape and size.literally

The larger branches of a tree that determine its shape.figuratively

A basic conceptual structure.figuratively

• These ‘three principles of connexion’ compose the framework of principles in Hume's account of the association of ideas.

A reusable piece of code (and, sometimes, other utilities) providing a standard environment within which an application can be implemented.

An established and structured system of rules and principles used for analyzing and describing the structure of a language.