Definition

1. Noun:
   • The act or process of joining two or more things together to form a single entity or a new whole. This refers to the action of combining.
   • A result or product formed by combining different elements. This refers to the thing that is created through the act of combining.
   • A sequence of numbers or letters used to open a particular type of lock.
   • A union or alliance of people, organizations, or nations for a shared purpose.

Examples of Usage

• As a noun (act/process):
  • The combination of flour, eggs, and sugar makes a cake batter.
  • Success in this project requires a combination of skill and hard work.
• As a noun (result/entity):
  • The band is a great combination of jazz and rock music.
  • The color purple is a combination of red and blue.
• As a noun (lock sequence):
  • I can't remember the combination for my locker.
  • She spun the dial to enter the safe's combination.
• As a noun (alliance):
  • The two companies formed a powerful combination to dominate the market.
  • A combination of environmental groups protested the new policy.

Advanced Usage

• In mathematics (specifically combinatorics): A combination is a selection of items from a collection where the order of selection does not matter. For example, choosing 2 fruits from a set of {apple, banana, orange} results in the combinations {apple, banana}, {apple, orange}, and {banana, orange}.
• "In combination with": Used to indicate that something is acting or used together with something else.
  • This medicine should only be taken in combination with food.
• "Winning combination": A figurative phrase for a set of factors that is very effective or successful.
  • His dedication and natural talent were a winning combination.

Variants and Related Words

• Combine (verb): To join or merge to form a single unit.
  • Combine the ingredients in a large bowl.
• Combinatorial (adjective): Relating to the selection and arrangement of mathematical combinations.
• Recombination (noun): The process of combining things again or in a new way.

Synonyms

• Amalgamation: The process of combining or uniting multiple entities into one form.
• Mixture: A substance made by mixing other substances together.
• Blend: A mixture of different things or qualities.
• Alliance: A union or association formed for mutual benefit.

Related Phrases

• Combination lock: A lock that is opened by turning a dial to a specific sequence of numbers (the combination).
• Combination platter: A dish served in a restaurant that includes a selection of different foods.
• Combination therapy: The use of more than one medication or method to treat a disease.

Idioms

• A deadly combination: A pairing of factors that is extremely dangerous or effective (can be used literally or figuratively).
  • Drinking and driving is a deadly combination.
• In combination: Acting jointly; together.
  • The two drugs work best in combination.

Noun

1. the act of combining things to form a new whole
2. the act of arranging elements into specified groups without regard to order
3. an alliance of people or corporations or countries for a special purpose (formerly to achieve some antisocial end but now for general political or economic purposes)
4. a group of people (often temporary) having a common purpose
   • they were a winning combination
5. a sequence of numbers or letters that opens a combination lock
   • he forgot the combination to the safe
6. a coordinated sequence of chess moves
7. a collection of things that have been combined; an assemblage of separate parts or qualities