rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryRoot: con-
Latin

con-

together, with; sometimes thoroughly

Forms

  • con-
  • com- — Used before certain consonants, especially b, p, and m.
  • col- — The final consonant changed before l.
  • cor- — The final consonant changed before r.
  • co- — The final consonant was lost in some combinations.

Origin

From Latin cum, “with,” and an older form com-.

Note

Togetherness could extend to completeness. Not every word containing this prefix retains an obvious “with” meaning.

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noun

conglomeration

kuhn-glah-muh-RAY-shuhn/kənˌɡlɑːməˈreɪʃn/

The gathering of varied parts into one larger whole.

A conglomeration of buttons, keys, stones, spools, and shells forms a mound.

Colorful diverse objects buttons keys stones spools and shells gathered into one mound.
Etymology
conLatintogether, with; sometimes thoroughly
+glomerationLatingather into a ball, collect

The pieces evoke gathering things together into a ball or mass. The noun shifted from the act of gathering to the resulting collection itself.

In context

ORCA Media425:15
they use the term ecosystem because it really is a whole conglomeration of different types of actors
2022 Peace and War Summit at Norwich University Day 1

More examples

  • Her desk holds a conglomeration of notes and office supplies.
  • The festival features a lively conglomeration of music, food, and crafts.
  • The merger completes the conglomeration of several smaller companies.

Forms

conglomeration · conglomerations

conglomerate verb — To combine varied parts into one whole.

Similar words

collection
A general grouping, without necessarily emphasizing variety or combination.
assemblage
Emphasizes things brought together, often remaining recognizable as separate parts.
aggregation
Emphasizes accumulation into a group rather than variety among parts.