First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
1combine
verb com·bine \kəm-ˈbīn\
com·binedcom·bin·ing
Definition of COMBINE
transitive verb
1
a : to bring into such close relationship as to obscure individual characters : merge <two companies combining forces> b : to cause to unite into a chemical compound c : to unite into a single number or expression <combine fractions and simplify>
3
: to possess in combination <a writer whose works combine imagination and scholarship>
intransitive verb
1
a : to become one b : to unite to form a chemical compound
2
: to act together <many factors combined to cause the recession>
— com·bin·able \-ˈbī-nə-bəl\ adjective
— com·bin·er noun
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Origin of COMBINE
Middle English, from Middle French combiner, from Late Latin combinare, from Latin com- + bini two by two — more at bin-
Synonym Discussion of COMBINE
join, combine, unite, connect, link, associate, relate mean to bring or come together into some manner of union. join implies a bringing into contact or conjunction of any degree of closeness <joined forces in an effort to win>. combine implies some merging or mingling with corresponding loss of identity of each unit <combined jazz and rock to create a new music>. unite implies somewhat greater loss of separate identity <the colonies united to form a republic>. connect suggests a loose or external attachment with little or no loss of identity <a mutual defense treaty connected the two nations>. link may imply strong connection or inseparability of elements still retaining identity <a name forever linked with liberty>. associate stresses the mere fact of frequent occurrence or existence together in space or in logical relation <opera is popularly associated with high society>. relate suggests the existence of a real or presumed logical connection <related what he observed to what he already knew>.
2combine
noun com·bine \ˈkäm-ˌbīn\
: a group of people or organizations that work together
: a machine that cuts crops (such as corn or wheat) and separates the seeds of the plant from the rest of the plant
Full Definition of COMBINE
1
: a combination especially of business or political interests
2
: a harvesting machine that heads, threshes, and cleans grain while moving over a field
See combine defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of COMBINE
1886
Related to COMBINE
- Synonyms
- combination, cartel, syndicate, trust
3combine
verb com·bine \ˈkäm-ˌbīn\
com·binedcom·bin·ing
Definition of COMBINE
transitive verb
: to harvest with a combine
intransitive verb
: to combine a crop
First Known Use of COMBINE
1926
COMBINABLE Defined for Kids
1combine
verb com·bine \käm-ˈbīn\
com·binedcom·bin·ing
Definition of COMBINE for Kids
1
: to mix together so as to make or to seem one thing <Combine the ingredients in a large bowl.>
2
: to be or cause to be together for a purpose <The two groups combined to work for reform.>
2combine
noun com·bine \ˈkäm-ˌbīn\
Definition of COMBINE for Kids
1
: a union of persons or groups that work together to achieve a common goal
2
: a machine that harvests and threshes grain
Medical Dictionary
combine
verb com·bine \kəm-ˈbīn\
com·binedcom·bin·ing
Medical Definition of COMBINE
transitive verb
: to cause to unite into a chemical compound
intransitive verb
: to unite to form a chemical compound
—com·bi·na·tion \ˌkäm-bə-ˈnā-shən\ noun
Learn More About COMBINE
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