compound
compound Lexical Profile
compound Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A thing that is composed of two or more separate elements; specifically, a pure substance formed when two or more chemical elements are chemically bonded together in fixed proportions.
"Water is a chemical compound consisting of two hydrogen atoms bonded to a single oxygen atom."
A large open area or group of buildings enclosed by a fence or wall, such as a diplomatic residence, research facility, or family estate.
"The diplomatic staff lived inside a secure, walled compound near the center of the capital."
A word or lexical unit made up of two or more existing words or stems joined together (such as "sunflower" or "ice cream").
"The English language continually forms new compounds by joining existing nouns together."
• verb
To make (something bad, such as a problem, difficulty, or error) worse or more severe by adding to it.
"Severe drought compounded the region's economic difficulties during the summer harvest."
To calculate or yield financial interest on both the original principal and the previously accumulated interest.
"The savings bond compounds quarterly, allowing the balance to grow steadily over time."
To mix or combine (ingredients or constituents) together, especially to prepare a customized medication.
"The specialized pharmacist compounded a liquid formulation of the medicine for the pediatric patient."
To settle (a debt or legal claim) by mutual agreement or partial payment, or to forbear from prosecuting a felony in exchange for private compensation.
"The insolvent merchant managed to compound with his creditors for fifty cents on the dollar."
• adjective
Made up or consisting of two or more existing parts, elements, or ingredients.
"Insects such as dragonflies and bees possess compound eyes composed of thousands of tiny optical units."
Relating to or denoting financial interest calculated on both the initial principal and the accumulated interest from previous periods.
"Starting a retirement account early allows savers to take full advantage of compound interest over several decades."
Word Nuance & Usage
"Compound" is a heteronym: as a noun or adjective, the primary stress falls on the first syllable (COM-pound), whereas as a verb, the stress typically shifts to the second syllable (com-POUND) in British and formal American English.
• Rhymes for compound
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
The general senses derive from Old French "compondre", from Latin "componere" ("to put together"), with an excrescent "-d" added in Middle English. The noun sense of an "enclosed area of buildings" has a completely separate Asian origin, coming via Dutch and Portuguese from Malay "kampung" ("village" or "enclosure").