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self-contained

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adjective self-con·tained \ ˌself-kən-ˈtānd \
Updated on: 11 Sep 2017

Definition of self-contained

1 a :complete in itself :independent
  • a self-contained machine
  • a self-contained program of study
b :built-in
  • a lectern with a self-contained light fixture
2 a :showing self-control
b :formal and reserved in manner
—

self-containedly

play \ˌself-kən-ˈtā-nəd-lē, -ˈtānd-lē\ adverb
—

self-containedness

play \ˌself-kən-ˈtā-nəd-nəs, -ˈtān(d)-nəs\ noun
—

self-containment

play \ˌself-kən-ˈtān-mənt\ noun

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First Known Use of self-contained

1591

SELF-CONTAINED Defined for English Language Learners

self-contained

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adjective

Definition of self-contained for English Language Learners

  • : not requiring help or support from anyone or anything else : complete by itself

  • : tending to keep thoughts and feelings private and to deal with things without help from other people

  • : having a kitchen and bathroom

Learn More about self-contained

  1. See words that rhyme with self-contained Nglish: Translation of self-contained for Spanish speakers

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