Compound: meaning, definitions and examples

Refers to a substance made from two or more different elements that are chemically bonded together. It is typically used in scientific or technical contexts, especially in chemistry.

• Water is a compound made of hydrogen and oxygen.
• The chemist synthesized a new compound that could be used in medicine.

Indicates a combination of two or more substances where each substance retains its own chemical identity and properties. It is a general term that can be used in both scientific and everyday contexts.

• Air is a mixture of gases, primarily nitrogen and oxygen.
• The recipe calls for a mixture of flour, sugar, and butter.

Implies a mix of different substances or elements where each component retains its individual properties. It is often used in everyday language, particularly when talking about food, beverages, or other consumer products.

• This coffee is a perfect blend of Arabica and Robusta beans.
• The artist created a unique blend of colors for the painting.

Refers to a material or object made from two or more distinct materials with different properties, which together produce a material with characteristics different from the individual components. Commonly used in construction, materials science, and engineering.

• The building's structure is made of a composite material consisting of concrete and steel.
• The racing bike features a lightweight composite frame.

Used in grammar when referring to a noun, verb, adjective, or preposition that is made up of two or more words working together as a single unit.

• 'Haircut' is a compound noun.
• 'To understand' is a compound verb.

Used when referring specifically to words that are made up of two or more words combined to create a new word with a unique meaning.

• 'Babysitter' is a composite word made from 'baby' and 'sitter'.
• 'Newspaper' is a composite word combining 'news' and 'paper'.

Used in linguistic contexts to refer to a phrase that functions as a single unit and is often hyphenated.

• 'Mother-in-law' is a phrasal compound.
• 'Editor-in-chief' is an example of a phrasal compound.

Use when referring to combining elements to form something new, often in a scientific or financial context. It can also imply making something worse when talking about problems.

• The scientist will compound the chemicals to create a new solution.
• Their arguments will only compound the problem.

Appropriate for situations where you bring together different elements to form a whole, without emphasizing the process or the result being seamless.

• Combine all the ingredients in a large bowl.
• They decided to combine their efforts to complete the project.

Best used when you need to indicate stirring or shaking different substances together. Typically used in informal contexts like cooking, drink-making, or everyday activities.

• Mix the flour and sugar in a bowl.
• He mixed the paints to get a new color.

Suitable for talking about mixing substances smoothly together so that you cannot tell they are different parts. Often used in cooking and art.

• Blend the fruits in a blender until smooth.
• The painter blended the colors to create a beautiful sunset.