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com·pound 1 (k m-pound , k m-, k m pound )v. com·pound·ed, com·pound·ing, com·pounds v.tr.1. To combine so as to form a whole; mix. 2. To produce or create by combining two or more ingredients or parts: pharmacists compounding prescriptions. 3. To settle (a debt, for example) by agreeing on an amount less than the claim; adjust. 4. To compute (interest) on the principal and accrued interest. 5. To add to; increase: High winds compounded the difficulties of the firefighters. v.intr.1. To combine in or form a compound. 2. To come to terms; agree. n. (k m pound )1. A combination of two or more elements or parts. See Synonyms at mixture. 2. Linguistics A word that consists either of two or more elements that are independent words, such as loudspeaker, baby-sit, or high school, or of specially modified combining forms of words, such as Greek philosophia, from philo-, "loving," and sophia, "wisdom." 3. Chemistry A pure, macroscopically homogeneous substance consisting of atoms or ions of two or more different elements in definite proportions that cannot be separated by physical means. A compound usually has properties unlike those of its constituent elements. 4. Botany a. A leaf whose blade is divided into two or more distinct leaflets. b. A pistil composed of two or more united carpels.
[Alteration of Middle English compounen, from Old French componre, compondre, to put together, from Latin comp nere; see component.]
com·pound a·ble adj. com·pound er n. |
com·pound 2 (k m pound )n.1. A building or buildings, especially a residence or group of residences, set off and enclosed by a barrier. 2. An enclosed area used for confining prisoners of war.
[Alteration of Malay kampong, village.] |
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms | Noun | 1. | compounding - the act of combining things to form a new wholeconfusion - an act causing a disorderly combination of elements with identities lost and distinctions blended; "the confusion of tongues at the Tower of Babel" fusion - the act of fusing (or melting) together blending, blend - the act of blending components together thoroughly interspersal, interspersion - the act of combining one thing at intervals among other things; "the interspersion of illustrations in the text" consolidation, integration - the act of combining into an integral whole; "a consolidation of two corporations"; "after their consolidation the two bills were passed unanimously"; "the defendants asked for a consolidation of the actions against them" |
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