compound

verb

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com·pound | \ käm-ˈpau̇nd

, kəm-ˈpau̇nd, ˈkäm-ˌpau̇nd \

compounded; compounding; compounds

Definition of compound

(Entry 1 of 4)

transitive verb

1 : to put together (parts) so as to form a whole : combine compound ingredients … a thick sauce compounded of chilies, garlic, and ginger.— Andy Birsh

2 : to form by combining parts compound a medicine

3a : to settle amicably : adjust by agreement

b : to agree for a consideration not to prosecute (an offense) compound a felony

4a : to pay (interest) on both the accrued interest and the principal

b : to add to : augment compound an error … had several other medical complications that compounded his condition.— Jeffrey S. Hollis

intransitive verb

1 : to become joined in a compound

2 : to come to terms of agreement compounded with the enemy for peace

compound

adjective

com·pound | \ ˈkäm-ˌpau̇nd

, käm-ˈpau̇nd, kəm-ˈpau̇nd \

Definition of compound (Entry 2 of 4)

1 : composed of or resulting from union of separate elements, ingredients, or parts: such as

a : composed of united similar elements especially of a kind usually independent a compound plant ovary

b : having the blade divided to the midrib and forming two or more leaflets on a common axis a compound leaf

2 : involving or used in a combination

3a of a word : made by combining two or more words : constituting a compound (see compound entry 3 sense 1) "Steamboat" is a compound noun.

b of a sentence : having two or more main clauses

compound

noun (1)

com·pound | \ ˈkäm-ˌpau̇nd

Definition of compound (Entry 3 of 4)

1a : a word consisting of components that are words (such as rowboat, high school, devil-may-care)

b : a word (such as anthropology, kilocycle, builder) consisting of any of various combinations of words, combining forms, or affixes

2 : something formed by a union of elements or parts especially : a distinct substance formed by chemical union of two or more ingredients in definite proportion by weight a new antibiotic compound

compound

noun (2)

com·pound | \ ˈkäm-ˌpau̇nd

Definition of compound (Entry 4 of 4)

: a fenced or walled-in area containing a group of buildings and especially residences a prison compound an embassy compound

Other Words from compound Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More About compound

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Examples of compound in a Sentence

Verb The interest is compounded at regular intervals. we compounded our error by waiting too long to call for help Adjective “Steamboat” is a compound noun. “I told him to leave and he left” is a compound sentence.

First Known Use of compound

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (1)

1530, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun (2)

1679, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for compound

Verb

Middle English compounen, from Anglo-French *cumpundre, from Latin componere, from com- + ponere to put — more at position

Adjective and Noun (1)

Middle English compouned, past participle of compounen — see compound entry 1

Noun (2)

by folk etymology from Malay kampung group of buildings, village

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From the Editors at Merriam-Webster

Dictionary Entries Near compound

compound

Statistics for compound

Cite this Entry

“Compound.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/compound. Accessed 25 Jun. 2021.

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More Definitions for compound

compound

verb

English Language Learners Definition of compound

(Entry 1 of 2)

: to make (something, such as an error or problem) worse : to add to (something bad)

finance : to pay interest on both an amount of money and the interest it has already earned

: to form (something) by combining separate things

compound

adjective

English Language Learners Definition of compound (Entry 2 of 2)

: made up of two or more parts

: made by combining two or more words

: consisting of two or more main clauses

See the full definition for compound in the English Language Learners Dictionary

compound

verb

com·pound | \ käm-ˈpau̇nd

compounded; compounding

Kids Definition of compound

(Entry 1 of 4)

1 : to form by combining separate things compound a medicine

2 : to make worse compound a problem

3 : to pay (interest) on both an original amount of money and on the interest it has already earned

compound

adjective

com·pound | \ ˈkäm-ˌpau̇nd

Kids Definition of compound (Entry 2 of 4)

: made of or by the union of two or more parts a compound leaf with three leaflets

compound

noun

com·pound | \ ˈkäm-ˌpau̇nd

Kids Definition of compound (Entry 3 of 4)

1 : a word made up of parts that are themselves words The words "rowboat" and "hide-and-seek" are compounds.

2 : something (as a chemical) that is formed by combining two or more parts or elements

compound

noun

com·pound | \ ˈkäm-ˌpau̇nd

Kids Definition of compound (Entry 4 of 4)

: an enclosed area containing a group of buildings

compound

transitive verb

com·pound | \ käm-ˈpau̇nd, kəm-ˈ, ˈkäm-ˌ

Medical Definition of compound

(Entry 1 of 3)

: to form by combining parts compound a medicine

compound

adjective

com·pound | \ ˈkäm-ˌpau̇nd, käm-ˈ, kəm-ˈ

Medical Definition of compound (Entry 2 of 3)

: composed of or resulting from union of separate elements, ingredients, or parts a compound substance compound glands

compound

noun

com·pound | \ ˈkäm-ˌpau̇nd

Medical Definition of compound (Entry 3 of 3)

: something formed by a union of elements or parts specifically : a distinct substance formed by chemical union of two or more ingredients in definite proportion by weight

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compound

transitive verb

com·pound | \ kəm-ˈpau̇nd