compound meaning and definition

COMPOUND noun

Definition of compound (noun)

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

COMPOUND verb

Definition of compound (verb)

1. 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"
   • synonyms: deepen, heighten, intensify
2. put or add together
   • "combine resources"
   • synonyms: combine
3. calculate principal and interest
4. create by mixing or combining
5. combine so as to form a whole; mix
   • "compound the ingredients"
   • synonyms: combine

COMPOUND adjective

Definition of compound (adjective)

1. composed of more than one part
   • "compound leaves are composed of several lobes; "compound flower heads"
   • antonym: simple
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 many distinct individuals united to form a whole or colony
   • "coral is a colonial organism"
   • synonyms: colonial