complex

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: B2 — Upper-Intermediate

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun a conceptual whole made up of complicated and related parts
  2. noun a compound described in terms of the central atom to which other atoms are bound or coordinated
  3. noun (psychoanalysis) a combination of emotions and impulses that have been rejected from awareness but still influence a person's behavior

Etymology

From French complexe, from Latin complexus, past participle of complector (“to entwine, encircle, compass, infold”), from com- (“together”) and plectō (“to weave, braid”). May be analyzed as com- + -plex. See complect. Doublet of complexus.

In classic literature

Synonyms

composite

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