Con*struct"ive (?), a. [Cf. F. constructif.]
1.
Having ability to construct or form; employed in construction; as, to exhibit constructive power.
The constructive fingers of Watts.
Emerson.
2.
Derived from, or depending on, construction or interpretation; not directly expressed, but inferred.
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.
© Webster 1913.