Definition of compound
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 agreementb : to agree for a consideration not to prosecute (an offense) compound a felony
4a : to pay (interest) on both the accrued interest and the principalb : 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
compounder
nounExplore M-W
Examples of compound in a Sentence
The interest is compounded at regular intervals.
we compounded our error by waiting too long to call for help
Origin and Etymology of compound
Middle English compounen, from Anglo-French *cumpundre, from Latin componere, from com- + ponere to put — more at position
First Known Use: 14th century
Definition of compound
1 : composed of or resulting from union of separate elements, ingredients, or parts: such asa : composed of united similar elements especially of a kind usually independent a compound plant ovaryb : 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 : constituting a compound (see 3compound 1)b of a sentence : having two or more main clauses
Examples of compound in a Sentence
“Steamboat” is a compound noun.
“I told him to leave and he left” is a compound sentence.
Origin and Etymology of compound
Middle English compouned, past participle of compounen —see 1compound
First Known Use: 14th century
Definition of compound
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
Origin and Etymology of compound
see 2compound
First Known Use: 1530
Definition of compound
: a fenced or walled-in area containing a group of buildings and especially residences a prison compound an embassy compound
Origin and Etymology of compound
by folk etymology from Malay kampung group of buildings, village
First Known Use: 1679
COMPOUND Defined for English Language Learners
compound
playDefinition of compound for English Language Learners
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: to make (something, such as an error or problem) worse : to add to (something bad)
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finance : to pay interest on both an amount of money and the interest it has already earned
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: to form (something) by combining separate things
compound
playDefinition of compound for English Language Learners
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: made up of two or more parts
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: made by combining two or more words
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: consisting of two or more main clauses
COMPOUND Defined for Kids
Definition of compound for Students
compounded
;compounding
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
Definition of compound for Students
: made of or by the union of two or more parts a compound leaf with three leaflets
Definition of compound for Students
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
Definition of compound for Students
: an enclosed area containing a group of buildings
Medical Dictionary
Medical Definition of compound
: to form by combining parts compound a medicine
Medical Definition of compound
: 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
Law Dictionary
compound
playLegal Definition of compound
1 : to agree for a consideration not to prosecute (an offense) Editor's note: Compounding a felony is a common-law crime.
2 : to pay (interest) on both the accrued interest and the principal
Learn More about compound
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See words that rhyme with compound Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for compound Spanish Central: Translation of compound Nglish: Translation of compound for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of compound for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about compound
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