Definition of COMPOUNDS (original) (raw)
1
: something formed by a union of elements or parts
especially : a distinct substance formed by chemical union of two or more ingredients in definite proportion by weight
a new antibiotic compound
2
a
: a word consisting of components that are words (such as rowboat, high school, devil-may-care)
b
: a word (such as anthropology, kilocycle, builder) consisting of any of various combinations of words, combining forms, or affixes
1
a
: to pay (interest) on both the accrued interest and the principal
b
: to add to : augment
… had several other medical complications that compounded his condition.—
Jeffrey S. Hollis
2
: to form by combining parts
3
: to put together (parts) so as to form a whole : combine
… a thick sauce compounded of chilies, garlic, and ginger.—Andy Birsh
4
a
: to settle amicably : adjust by agreement
b
: to agree for a consideration not to prosecute (an offense)
1
: to become joined in a compound
2
: to come to terms of agreement
compounded with the enemy for peace
1
: composed of or resulting from union of separate elements, ingredients, or parts: such as
a
: having the blade divided to the midrib and forming two or more leaflets on a common axis
b
: composed of united similar elements especially of a kind usually independent
2
: involving or used in a combination
3
a
of a word : made by combining two or more words : constituting a compound (see compound entry 1 sense 2)
"Steamboat" is a compound noun.
b
of a sentence : having two or more main clauses
: a fenced or walled-in area containing a group of buildings and especially residences
Synonyms
Examples of compound in a Sentence
Noun (1)
mixed the chemicals together to form a new compound The interest is compounded at regular intervals. we compounded our error by waiting too long to call for help Adjective
“Steamboat” is a compound noun. “I told him to leave and he left” is a compound sentence.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
These compounds take a different approach to weight loss than existing medications, which can cause nausea, vomiting and gastric malaise. —Dan Perry, Newsweek, 31 Jan. 2025 These compounds help combat oxidative stress, which is linked to various chronic conditions. —Amy Brownstein, Ms, Rdn, Verywell Health, 31 Jan. 2025
They were left with countless financial questions, compounding deep emotional scars: Considerations like where to live, how to clean up, whether to rebuild — and how to afford it all. —Greg Iacurci, CNBC, 2 Feb. 2025 Inside the transmission are compounded 3x3 gears, giving the LSTT nine forward gears, arranged in such a way – and with no flywheel to hamper the process – that no other production transmission can match its speed in banging through the gears. —New Atlas, 31 Jan. 2025
Looking ahead, the analyst expects bitcoin to grow by at a compound annual growth rate ranging between 25% and 30% through 2027, although likely with extreme volatility. —Pia Singh, CNBC, 29 Jan. 2025 More specifically, the company issued an upward revision of its compound annual growth rate through 2029— expecting a 12% to 14% CAGR over the period. —Peter Cohan, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for compound 
Word History
Etymology
Verb
Middle English compounen, from Anglo-French *cumpundre, from Latin componere, from com- + ponere to put — more at position
Adjective and Noun (1)
Middle English compouned, past participle of compounen — see compound entry 2
Noun (2)
by folk etymology from Malay kampung group of buildings, village
First Known Use
Noun (1)
1530, in the meaning defined at sense 2a
Verb
14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 2
Adjective
14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Noun (2)
1679, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of compound was in the 14th century
Dictionary Entries Near compound
Cite this Entry
“Compound.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/compound. Accessed 12 Feb. 2025.
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Last Updated: 4 Feb 2025 - Updated example sentences
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