Search results for 'compound':

compound¹ noun 1 (in full chemical compound) chem a substance composed of two or more elements combined in fixed proportions and held together by chemical bonds. 2 something composed of two or more ingredients or parts. 3 a word made up of two or more words, eg tablecloth. Compare derivative (noun 2). adj 1 composed of a number of parts or ingredients. 2 grammar said of a sentence: made up of two or more main clauses. verb (compounded, compounding) 1 a to make (especially something bad) much worse; b to complicate or add to (a difficulty, error, etc). 2 a to mix or combine (ingredients); b to make up (a mixture, etc) by doing this. 3 law to agree to overlook (an offence, etc) in return for payment. 4 tr & intr (often compound with someone) a to come to an agreement with them, especially a financial one; b to settle (a debt, etc) for less than the amount which is owed.
ETYMOLOGY: 14c: from French compondre, from Latin componere to put together.

compound² noun 1 in China, India, etc: an area enclosed by a wall or fence, containing a house or factory. 2 a an enclosed area in a prison, used for a particular purpose; b a similar area in a concentration camp, prisoner-of-war camp, etc. 3 in S Africa: accommodation in which Black labourers are housed.
ETYMOLOGY: 17c: probably from Malay kampong village.