complementary meaning and definition

COMPLEMENTARY noun

Definition of complementary (noun)

1. either one of two chromatic colors that when mixed together give white (in the case of lights) or grey (in the case of pigments)
   • "yellow and blue are complementaries"
   • synonyms: complementary color

COMPLEMENTARY adjective

Definition of complementary (adjective)

1. of words or propositions so related that each is the negation of the other
   • "`male' and `female' are complementary terms"
2. acting as or providing a complement (something that completes the whole)
   • synonyms: complemental, completing