Compounds Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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compounds

[หˆkษ’mpaสŠndz ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

chemical

A compound is a substance formed when two or more chemical elements are chemically bonded together. Compounds have a unique chemical structure and properties different from the elements that make them up.

Synonyms

combination, composite, mixture.

Examples of usage

  • Water (H2O) is a compound composed of hydrogen and oxygen.
  • Salt (NaCl) is a compound formed from sodium and chlorine.
Context #2 | Noun

linguistic

In linguistics, a compound is a word that consists of two or more base words joined together to create a new meaning. Compounds can be formed through various methods like hyphenation or concatenation.

Synonyms

composite word, hybrid word.

Examples of usage

  • Butterfly is a compound word formed from 'butter' and 'fly'.
  • Blackboard is another example of a compound word.
Context #3 | Verb

chemistry

To compound means to mix or combine different substances together. It can also refer to the process of enhancing or strengthening something.

Synonyms

amalgamate, blend, mix.

Examples of usage

  • The pharmacist compounded the medication for the patient.
  • She compounded her wealth by investing wisely.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • Compounds can be classified as organic or inorganic; organic ones contain carbon and are found in living things.
  • Water (H2O) is the most well-known compound, made of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom.
  • The chemical properties of a compound can be very different from those of the individual elements that make it.

History

  • The discovery of various compounds led to the development of medicine and modern chemistry in the 19th century.
  • Alchemists sought to transform base metals into noble ones, leading to the understanding of compounds and their properties.

Technology

  • Compounds are widely used in technology, such as semiconductors made of silicon compounds in electronics.
  • New materials made from innovative compounds are being researched for use in sustainable energy solutions.

Environment

  • Many pollutants in the environment are compounds that can harm ecosystems; understanding them is crucial for conservation.
  • In nature, compounds like fertilizers can enhance plant growth but must be used carefully to minimize environmental damage.

Origin of 'compounds'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'compound' comes from the Latin 'componere', which means 'to put together'.
  • Historically, it was used in English to describe a physical structure made of parts joined together.

The word 'compounds' has Latin origins, coming from the Latin word 'componere' which means 'to put together'. The concept of compounds has been essential in both chemistry and linguistics, shaping our understanding of how elements combine to form new substances and how words can be creatively joined to convey new meanings.


Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,376, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.