Pronunciation: -k ə n- ' t ā nd
Function: adjective
Date: 1591
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-con · tained · ly \ - ' t ā -n ə d-l ē , - ' t ā nd-l ē \ adverb
– self-con · tained · ness \ - ' t ā -n ə d-n ə s, - ' t ā n(d)-n ə s \ noun
– self-con · tain · ment \ - ' t ā n-m ə nt \ noun