Definition of compound
(Entry 1 of 4)
1
: 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
2a
: 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
compound
verb
compounded; compounding; compounds
Definition of compound (Entry 2 of 4)
1a
: 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
2
: to form by combining parts
compound a medicine
3
: to put together (parts) so as to form a whole : combine
compound ingredients … a thick sauce compounded of chilies, garlic, and ginger.— Andy Birsh
4a
: to settle amicably : adjust by agreement
b
: to agree for a consideration not to prosecute (an offense)
compound a felony
1
: to become joined in a compound
2
: to come to terms of agreement
compounded with the enemy for peace
compound
adjectiveDefinition of compound (Entry 3 of 4)
1
: composed of or resulting from union of separate elements, ingredients, or parts: such as
a
: having the blade divided to the midrib and forming two or more leaflets on a common axis
a compound leaf
b
: composed of united similar elements especially of a kind usually independent
a compound plant ovary
2
: involving or used in a combination
3a
of a word
: made by combining two or more words : constituting a compound (see compound entry 1 sense 2)
"Steamboat" is a compound noun.
compound
noun (2)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
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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Time Traveler for compound
The first known use of compound was in the 14th century
See more words from the same century