Conglomerated: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word comes from the Latin 'conglomerare', meaning 'to roll together' or 'to gather into a mass'.
• It first appeared in English around the late 15th century, primarily used in geological contexts to describe sediments.
• The prefix 'con-' means 'together' and 'glomerate' comes from 'glomus', meaning 'ball' or 'sphere'.

Business

• In business, a conglomerated company is one that consists of various smaller companies from different industries, helping diversify risks.
• Conglomerates often acquire other businesses to expand their operations and market reach, leading to a complex corporate structure.
• Famous examples include companies like GE and Berkshire Hathaway, which own businesses in sectors ranging from finance to consumer goods.

Geology

• In geology, conglomerated refers to a type of sedimentary rock made up of large, rounded particles glued together by finer materials.
• Conglomerate rocks often form in river beds or beaches, where pebbles and sand are naturally combined over time.
• They can provide insights into ancient environments and the history of Earth's surface changes.

Psychology

• The concept of conglomerated experiences can be related to how people form memories using different events and influences from their lives.
• In cognitive therapy, understanding how thoughts conglomerate can help in recognizing patterns that affect mental health.
• Therapists might encourage individuals to explore how various life experiences are interconnected.

Art

• In modern art, conglomerated styles can be seen where artists mix various techniques and mediums to create unique pieces.
• Artists like Pablo Picasso used conglomerated elements of Cubism, blending representation with abstraction.
• The term can also apply to art movements that combine different cultural influences, making global dialogues visible.