Meaning of the word compound in English

What does compound mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

compound

US /ˈkɑːm.paʊnd/

UK /ˈkɑːm.paʊnd/

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

Example:

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Water is a chemical compound of hydrogen and oxygen.

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The new drug is a compound of several natural ingredients.

Synonym:

mixture blend combination amalgam fusion

a group of buildings enclosed by a barrier.

Example:

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The military base was a heavily guarded compound.

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They lived in a walled compound for security.

Synonym:

enclosure complex precinct grounds area

make (something bad) worse; intensify the negative aspects of.

Example:

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His silence only served to compound her anxiety.

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The company's financial problems were compounded by the economic downturn.

Synonym:

aggravate exacerbate intensify worsen magnify

add to (an interest, debt, or problem) by accumulating it.

Example:

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Interest is compounded annually.

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His debts continued to compound over time.

Synonym:

accumulate amass collect pile up accrue

made up of two or more existing parts or elements.

Example:

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A compound sentence contains two or more independent clauses.

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The word 'blackboard' is a compound word.

Synonym:

composite complex hybrid blended mixed

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