rhizoverbBeta
DictionarycompoundCombination of parts
adjective / verb / noun

compound

KAHM-pownd/ˈkɑːmpaʊnd/

To combine separate elements into a larger whole.

Water is a compound of hydrogen and oxygen joined in molecules.

One accurately shaped water molecule model: one larger red oxygen sphere bonded to exactly two smaller white hydrogen spheres at an angle, no chemical labels needed.
Etymology
comLatintogether
+poundLatinto put, place

The pieces express “putting together”: a compound was something produced by combining ingredients. In chemistry, that general idea applies specifically to a substance formed from two or more elements.

In context

Lammas Science3:07
mixed together but they keep their own characteristics and are easily separated or they can join together chemically they're much harder to separate now the chemical combination is called a compound
Elements and Compounds S152LS20

More examples

  • Water is a compound of hydrogen and oxygen.
  • The compound word “raincoat” joins two familiar words.
  • Heavy rain compounds the delays caused by road repairs.
  • Interest compounds monthly, earning more interest on the growing balance.

Forms

compound · compounds · compounded · compounding

Similar words

combine
A broader term for bringing things together without necessarily mixing them.
blend
Emphasizes mixing parts until they are hard to distinguish.
composite
Describes something made from distinct parts, often different materials.