from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Constructive \Con*struct"ive\, a. [Cf. F. constructif.]
1. Having ability to construct or form; employed in
construction; as, to exhibit constructive power.
[1913 Webster]
The constructive fingers of Watts. --Emerson.
[1913 Webster]
2. Derived from, or depending on, construction, inference, or
interpretation; not directly expressed, but inferred.
[1913 Webster]
3. helpful; promoting improvement; intended to help; as,
constructive criticism; constructive suggestions.
Contrasted with {destructive}.
[PJC]
{Constructive crimes} (Law), acts having effects analogous to
those of some statutory or common law crimes; as,
constructive treason. Constructive crimes are no longer
recognized by the courts.
{Constructive notice}, notice imputed by construction of law.
{Constructive trust}, a trust which may be assumed to exist,
though no actual mention of it be made.
[1913 Webster]