COMPOUND


Meaning of COMPOUND in English

n.

Pronunciation: ' käm- ˌ pau ̇ nd, käm- ' , k ə m- '

Function: adjective

Etymology: Middle English compouned, past participle of compounen

Date: 14th century

1 : composed of or resulting from union of separate elements, ingredients, or parts: as a : composed of united similar elements especially of a kind usually independent <a compound plant ovary> b : 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

3 a of a word : constituting a compound b of a sentence : having two or more main clauses

Merriam Webster Collegiate English Dictionary.      Merriam Webster - Энциклопедический словарь английского языка.