I. ˌkämbəˈnāshən noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle French, from Late Latin combination-, combinatio union, from combinatus (past participle of combinare to combine) + Latin -ion-, -io -ion — more at combine
1. : the result or product of combining : a union or aggregate made by combining one thing with another: as
a.
(1) : a union or alliance of individuals, corporations, or states for some special purpose formerly often to achieve a result contrary to law or public welfare but now usually to achieve a legitimate social, political, or economic end — see combination in restraint of trade
(2) : a binomial taxonomic name formed by combining a specific epithet with a generic name
(3) : two or more members of a team in competitive sports who perform especially well together
(4) : a small jazz band especially when playing without elaborate arrangements ; also : any dance band
b. : a series of events or results occurring in an ordered sequence: as
(1) : a sequence of moves in chess so planned as to force the responses of the opponent and gain a decisive advantage often at the expense of an initial sacrifice
(2) : a sequence of letters or numbers in a particular order chosen in setting a combination lock ; also : the mechanism operating or moved by the sequence
(3) : any one of the different sets into which a number of individuals (as letters) may be grouped without regard to the order of arrangement within the group — compare permutation 3b
(4) : a sequence of synchronized blows delivered by a boxer in rapid succession
c. : a union of mechanical parts so arranged that they interact to produce a practical result — compare aggregation
d. : any of various one-piece garments covering the upper and lower parts of the body ; especially : union suit — usually used in plural
e. : an instrument designed to perform two or more tasks
a radio-phonograph combination
specifically : a haulage tractor and one or more trailers that it draws
2.
a. : the act or process of combining : the quality or state of being combined
b. : the act or process of uniting to form a chemical compound ; sometimes : the compound so formed
3. : a group of organ stops used in performance at one or more specific points ; also : the tonal effect produced by such a group
II. | ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷| ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷ adjective
1. : of, relating to, or exhibiting combination : used in combination : resulting from combination
2. : serving more than one purpose
a combination saddle and harness horse
a combination bed-sitting room
3.
a. of a plied yarn : made of single yarns of different fibers, size, or twist
b. of a fabric : made of combination yarns or of two different yarns