noun

composition

kahm-puh-ZIH-shuhn/ˌkɑːmpəˈzɪʃn/

The combining of elements into a unified work.

The oranges, grapes, and pears form a balanced composition.

Simple fruit arrangement shown as balanced whole with individual oranges, grapes and pears clearly comprising it; object composition rather than music.

Etymology

comLatintogether

+positLatinto place

+ionLatinaction or result

The pieces describe 'placing together,' first naming the action of combining or arranging. In this sense, the focus is on the resulting make-up: how the parts constitute the whole.

In context

Richard Snyder16:47

so just by this process of assimilating rock inwards into the melt i can change its composition now

Igneous Rock Lectures

More examples

Her piano composition begins with a simple melody.
The students revise their compositions before handing them in.
She studies composition to learn how shapes work together.

Forms

composition · compositions

compose verb — To create a work by combining elements.

composer noun — A person who creates musical works.

Similar words

arrangement: Emphasizes how parts are placed in relation to one another.
structure: Refers to a whole's framework rather than its creation.