Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Composed of multiple distinct parts: Describes something formed by the combination of two or more separate elements, ingredients, or entities.
   • In linguistics, a word formed from two or more words: Refers to a single lexical unit created by joining separate words, often with a new meaning.
   • In botany, having a structure with multiple parts: Describes leaves or flower heads composed of several leaflets or smaller flowers.

2. Noun:

   • (Chemistry) A substance formed by chemical union: A distinct substance with a fixed composition, created when two or more chemical elements are bonded together in definite proportions.
   • (Linguistics) A word formed by combining others: A single word made from two or more existing words or word elements (e.g., notebook, sunflower).
   • An enclosed area of land and buildings: A fenced or walled area containing a group of residences, factories, or other structures.

3. Verb:

   • To mix or combine parts to form a whole: To put different substances or elements together to create something new or more complex.
   • To make something more intense or severe: To increase the strength, degree, or seriousness of a feeling, situation, or problem.
   • To calculate interest on both principal and accumulated interest: In finance, to compute compound interest.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:

  • 'Housetop' is a compound word.
  • The plant has compound leaves with five leaflets.

• Noun:

  • Water is a chemical compound made of hydrogen and oxygen.
  • The embassy compound was heavily guarded.
  • 'Blackberry' is a compound of 'black' and 'berry'.

• Verb:

  • The pharmacist will compound the medication from several ingredients.
  • His anxiety was compounded by the bad news.
  • The bank compounds interest quarterly.

Advanced Usage

• "To compound a problem/felony/error": To make a bad situation worse by adding another negative factor. This is a formal or legal usage.

  • Lying to the police only compounded his initial offense.

• "Compound interest": Interest calculated on the initial principal and also on the accumulated interest from previous periods.

  • The power of compound interest is a key principle of investing.

Variants and Related Words

• Compounded (adj/verb past tense): Mixed or combined; made more severe.

  • The compounded mixture was ready for testing.
  • Her grief was compounded by loneliness.

• Compounding (noun/gerund): The process of combining or the state of being combined.

  • The compounding of these chemicals requires care.

Synonyms

• Adjective: Composite, complex, combined.
• Noun: Mixture, amalgam, blend, enclosure, precinct.
• Verb: Combine, mix, amalgamate, intensify, exacerbate, aggravate.

Related Phrasal Verbs/Constructions

(Note: 'Compound' is not commonly used in phrasal verb constructions. Its verbal meanings are typically used transitively.) - Compound with (someone) (archaic/legal): To come to a financial agreement with; to settle a debt for less than the full amount. - The creditor agreed to compound with the debtor.

Related Idioms

• "Compound fracture": A severe bone fracture where the broken bone pierces the skin.
  • The accident resulted in a painful compound fracture of his leg.

Adjective

1. composed of many distinct individuals united to form a whole or colony
   • coral is a colonial organism
2. consisting of two or more substances or ingredients or elements or parts
   • soap is a compound substance
   • housetop is a compound word
   • a blackberry is a compound fruit
3. composed of more than one part
   • compound leaves are composed of several lobes
   • compound flower heads

Noun

1. an enclosure of residences and other building (especially in the Orient)
2. (chemistry) a substance formed by chemical union of two or more elements or ingredients in definite proportion by weight
3. a whole formed by a union of two or more elements or parts

Verb

1. combine so as to form a whole; mix
   • compound the ingredients
2. create by mixing or combining
3. calculate principal and interest
4. put or add together
   • combine resources
5. make more intense, stronger, or more marked
   • The efforts were intensified, Her rudeness intensified his dislike for her
   • Pot smokers claim it heightens their awareness
   • This event only deepened my convictions