I. kəmˈbīn verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Middle English combynen, from Middle French combiner, from Late Latin combinare, from Latin com- + bini two by two — more at binary
transitive verb
1. : to bring into close relationship:
a. : to join in physical or chemical union (as two substances)
combine toxin and living tissue to produce antitoxin
specifically : to cause to unite into a chemical compound
combining hydrogen with sulfur
b. : to cause to unite or associate harmoniously (as in a joint action or into an organic whole)
combine their efforts to a common end
the growing town of South Bethlehem was … to be combined with the mother town — American Guide Series: Pennsylvania
2. : to cause (as two or more things or ideas) to mix together : mingle , blend
combining the language of the gutter with ideas of undoubted worth
combine the sugar, flour, and butter
3. : to possess or exhibit (as qualities or attributes) in combination
one who combines creative imagination with true scholarliness
intransitive verb
1.
a. : to become one : coalesce , integrate
the two papers combined as the Chronicle
b. : to unite in definite proportions by weight to form a distinct chemical compound
2. : to come together or join forces (as for a common purpose) : act together to accomplish an aim
the foreign powers combined in a note reprimanding the aggressor's action
combine to raise wages in an industry
Synonyms: see join , unite
II. ˈkämˌbīn noun
( -s )
1. : an act or result of combining
2. : a combination (as of persons) to effect some object ; sometimes : one having a purpose that is illegal or against the public interest
3. also combine harvester : a harvesting machine that heads, threshes, and cleans grain while moving over the field
4. : a passenger-train car divided into two or more parts for handling different classes of items (as passengers and baggage)
III. verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: combine (II)
transitive verb
: to harvest with a combine
intransitive verb
: to combine a crop