compound

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: B2 — Upper-Intermediate

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun a whole formed by a union of two or more elements or parts
  2. noun (chemistry) a substance formed by chemical union of two or more elements or ingredients in definite proportion by weight
  3. noun an enclosure of residences and other building (especially in the Orient)

Etymology

Possibly from Malay kampong, kampung (“group of buildings, village”), via Dutch or Portuguese, altered under the influence of Etymology 2. Doublet of kampung.

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