I. kənˈfekshən noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English confeccioun, from Middle French confection, from Late Latin confection-, confectio, from Latin, preparation, making, from confectus + -ion-, -io -ion
1. : mixture : a preparation especially for human consumption made by mixing diverse ingredients: as
a. : delicacy ; usually : a preparation of fruits, nuts, roots, or other morsels with sugar : sweetmeat , preserve , candy
b. pharmacy
(1) obsolete : a medicinal preparation made up of diverse drugs or ingredients
(2) : a soft mass consisting of a vegetable drug or drugs incorporated with sugar, syrup, or honey — compare electuary
c. obsolete : a draft compounded with poison : a preparation of poison
2. : a making or preparing by combining ingredients : preparation , manufacture
the confection of comedies
3. : something elaborate, complex, or ornate in makeup or form: as
a. : an artistic or literary work marked by artificiality or lack of sincerity or made up of unsuitable or incongruous elements combined without real unification or feeling of purpose
an amusing confection with several charming melodies but no real substance
b. : an elaborate architectural work ; especially : one combining elements of style or materials that might be expected to give an incongruous effect
a confection in metal and glass, similar to the original Quai d' Orsay Station in Paris — Architectural Review
c. : any of various fancy decorative articles of women's dress or household ornament — often used in advertisements
II. transitive verb
( confectioned ; confectioned ; confectioning -sh(ə)niŋ ; confections )
archaic : to mix or prepare as a confection