¹composite

adjective com·pos·ite \käm-ˈpä-zət, kəm-ˈ, especially British ˈkäm-pə-zit\

: made of different parts or elements

Full Definition of COMPOSITE

: made up of distinct parts: as

a capitalized : relating to or being a modification of the Corinthian order combining angular Ionic volutes with the acanthus-circled bell of the Corinthian

b : of or relating to a very large family (Compositae syn. Asteraceae) of dicotyledonous herbs, shrubs, and trees often considered to be the most highly evolved plants and characterized by florets arranged in dense heads that resemble single flowers

c : factorable into two or more prime factors other than 1 and itself <8 is a positive composite integer>

: combining the typical or essential characteristics of individuals making up a group <the composite man called the Poet — Richard Poirier>

of a statistical hypothesis : specifying a range of values for one or more statistical parameters — compare simple 10

— com·pos·ite·ly adverb

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Origin of COMPOSITE

Latin compositus, past participle of componere

First Known Use: 1563

Related to COMPOSITE

Synonyms: amalgamated, compound

Antonyms: noncompound, simple

Other Seed Plant Terms

aubergine, box, bramble, briar, perpetual, pulse, trefoil

Rhymes with COMPOSITE

deposit, exposit, reposit

²composite

noun

: something that is made up of different parts

: a drawing of someone who is wanted by the police that is made using descriptions given by witnesses

Full Definition of COMPOSITE

: something composite : compound <a composite of two images>

: a composite plant

: composite function

: a solid material which is composed of two or more substances having different physical characteristics and in which each substance retains its identity while contributing desirable properties to the whole; especially : a structural material made of plastic within which a fibrous material (as silicon carbide) is embedded

See composite defined for English-language learners