n.

1. constitution of the human body;
   physique, body-build, habitus
2. alternative names for the body of a human being;
   human body, physical body, material body, soma, figure, physique, anatomy, shape, bod, chassis, frame, form, flesh
   
   • Leonardo studied the human body
   • he has a strong physique
   • the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak

v.

1. make by combining materials and parts;
   construct, make
   
   • this little pig made his house out of straw
   • Some eccentric constructed an electric brassiere warmer
2. form or accumulate steadily;
   build up, work up, progress
   
   • Resistance to the manager's plan built up quickly
   • Pressure is building up at the Indian-Pakistani border
3. build or establish something abstract;
   establish
   
   • build a reputation
4. improve the cleansing action of
   
   • build detergents
5. order, supervise, or finance the construction of
   
   • The government is building new schools in this state
6. give form to, according to a plan
   
   • build a modern nation
   • build a million-dollar business
7. be engaged in building
   
   • These architects build in interesting and new styles
8. found or ground
   
   • build a defense on nothing but the accused person's reputation
9. bolster or strengthen;
   build up, work up, ramp up
   
   • We worked up courage
   • build up confidence
   • ramp up security in the airports
10. develop and grow
    
    • Suspense was building right from the beginning of the opera