adjective / noun
complex
kuhm-PLEKS/kəmˈpleks/
A whole made up of many interconnected parts.
The clock forms a complex of interconnected gears and springs.
Etymology
The pieces suggest things woven or entwined together. The meaning moved from a whole made of interconnected parts to something intricate and difficult to analyze.
In context
These are just a few examples. Interestingly, complex systems are very hard to map into mathematical equations, so the usual physics approach doesn't really work here.
More examples
- The instructions are too complex for a beginner to follow.
- She has a complex about making mistakes in public.
- The metal ion binds to several molecules, forming a complex.
Forms
complex · complexes · more complex · most complex
complexity noun — The quality of having many interconnected parts.
Similar words
- system
- Emphasizes connected parts working together for a purpose.
- complicated
- Emphasizes difficulty understanding or handling something, rather than interconnectedness.
- intricate
- Emphasizes fine details and elaborate connections among parts.