compound

noun
UK: /ˈkɒmpaʊnd/
US: /ˈkɑːmpaʊnd/

  1. A thing that is composed of two or more separate elements; a mixture.

    1. Salt is a compound of sodium and chlorine, very useful in our food. [ ] [ ]
    2. The scientists analyzed the chemical compound to determine its properties and potential uses. [ ] [ ]

  2. An area enclosed by a fence or wall, containing a building or group of buildings.

    1. The military base is a secure compound with high fences around it. [ ] [ ]
    2. They lived in a gated compound outside the city, enjoying privacy and security. [ ] [ ]

Synonyms

complex blend mixture increase aggravate intensify mix mingle
compound verb

  1. To make something worse by adding to it; to increase.

    1. Rain can compound driving problems. [ ] [ ]
    2. His financial difficulties were compounded by unexpected medical bills, so he struggled. [ ] [ ]

  2. To combine or form by combining parts.

    1. The chemist will compound elements. [ ] [ ]
    2. The pharmaceutical company sought to compound a new drug for the treatment of disease. [ ] [ ]
compound adjective

  1. Made up of two or more parts or elements.

    1. Water is a compound substance. [ ] [ ]
    2. The compound fracture required surgery because the bone broke through the skin. [ ] [ ]

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "compound" in English means: A thing that is composed of two or more separate elements; a mixture., An area enclosed by a fence or wall, containing a building or group of buildings..

The phonetic transcription of "compound" is /ˈkɒmpaʊnd/ in British English and /ˈkɑːmpaʊnd/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "compound": complex, blend, mixture, increase, aggravate, intensify, mix, mingle.

Example usage of "compound": "Salt is a compound of sodium and chlorine, very useful in our food.". More examples on the page.