compound1
n.
/
ˈkɒmpaʊnd/
a thing composed of two or more separate elements.
▸a substance formed from two or more elements chemically united in fixed proportions.
▸a word made up of two or more existing words.
adj.
/
ˈkɒmpaʊnd/
made up of several elements.
▸(of interest) payable on both capital and the accumulated interest. Compare with simple.
▸Biology (of a leaf, flower, or eye) consisting of two or more simple parts or individuals in combination.
v.
/
kəmˈpaʊnd/
- make up (a composite whole); constitute.
▸mix or combine (ingredients or constituents).
▸reckon (interest) on previously accumulated interest.
- make (something bad) worse.
- Law forbear from prosecuting (a felony) in exchange for money or other consideration.
▸settle (a debt or other matter) in this way.
Derivative
- compoundable adj.
- compounder n.
Etymology
ME compoune (v.), from OFr. compoun-, compondre, from L. componere ‘put together’; the final -d was added on the pattern of expound.
compound2
/
ˈkɒmpaʊnd/
n.
a large open area enclosed by a fence, e.g. around a factory or within a prison.
▸S. African an area containing single-sex living quarters for migrant workers, especially miners.
▸another term for pound3.
Etymology
C17: from Port. campon or Du. kampoeng, from Malay kampong ‘enclosure, hamlet’; cf. kampong.
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