I. com ‧ bine 1 S3 W2 /kəmˈbaɪn/ BrE AmE verb
[ Word Family: verb : ↑ combine ; noun : ↑ combination ; adjective : ↑ combined ]
[ Date: 1400-1500 ; Language: French ; Origin: combiner , from Late Latin combinare , from Latin com- ( ⇨ COM- ) + bini 'two by two' ]
1 . [intransitive and transitive] if you combine two or more different things, or if they combine, they begin to exist or work together ⇨ combination
combine something with something
Augustine was later to combine elements of this philosophy with the teachings of Christianity.
Diets are most effective when combined with exercise.
combine to do something
A number of factors have combined to create this difficult situation.
Ruth hesitated, uncertain of how to combine honesty and diplomacy in her answer.
combined effect/effects (=the result of two or more different things used or mixed together)
The combined effects of the war and the drought resulted in famine.
2 . [transitive] to have two or more different features or qualities at the same time ⇨ combination
combine something with/and something
Good carpet wool needs to combine softness with strength.
3 . [intransitive and transitive] if two or more different substances combine, or if you combine them, they mix or join together to produce a new single substance ⇨ combination
combine to do something
Different amino acids combine to form proteins.
Combine all the ingredients in a large bowl.
combine something with something
Steel is produced by combining iron with carbon.
4 . [transitive] to do two different activities at the same time
combine something with something
Many people enjoy combining a holiday with learning a new skill.
combine something and something
the problems facing women who wish to combine a career and family
combine business with pleasure (=work and enjoy yourself at the same time)
5 . [intransitive and transitive] if two or more groups, organizations etc combine, or if you combine them, they join or work together in order to do something
combine to do something
Ten British and French companies combined to form the Channel Tunnel Group.
University zoologists and government vets are combining forces (=working together) to investigate the disease.
II. com ‧ bine 2 /ˈkɒmbaɪn $ ˈkɑːm-/ BrE AmE noun [countable]
1 . ( also combine harvester ) a machine used by farmers to cut grain, separate the seeds from it, and clean it
2 . a group of people, businesses etc who work together:
The factory was sold to a British combine after the war.