ˈfæb.ɹɪk fɹeɪm ˈfɹeɪm.wɜːk ˈfɹeɪm.wɝk ˈmɒdl̩ ˈmɑdl̩ a structure supporting or containing something the underlying structure providing a factual framework for future research it is part of the fabric of society a hypothetical description of a complex entity or process the computer program was based on a model of the circulatory and respiratory systems