The word "infrastructure" refers to the fundamental physical and organizational structures and facilities necessary for the operation of a society or enterprise. This includes things like roads, bridges, buildings, water supply, and communication systems. Essentially, infrastructure provides the foundation that allows communities and economies to function.
The term "infrastructure" is derived from the French word "infrastructure," which combines the prefix "infra-" meaning "below" and "structure" meaning "building" or "construction." The word came into use in English around the mid-20th century.