com|pos´ite|ness

com|pos|ite «kuhm POZ iht», adjective, noun.

–adj.

1. made up of various parts; compound: »

The photographer made a composite picture by putting together parts of several others.

2. belonging to the composite family.

–n.

1. any composite thing: »

English is a composite of many languages.

SYNONYM(S): combination, compound, complex.

2. a composite plant.

3. = composite number. (Cf. ↑composite number)

4. a strong, lightweight, plasticlike material used for building a very light aircraft: »

Composites—nonmetallic materials that are built up in thin layers—call for entirely different design (Jerry Grey).

╂[< Latin compositus, past participle of compōnere < com- together + pōnere put. See etym. of doublet compost (Cf. ↑compost), compote. (Cf. ↑compote)]

–com|pos´ite|ly, adverb.

–com|pos´ite|ness, noun.

Com|pos|ite «kuhm POZ iht», adjective.

Architecture. of or designating a columnar order derived by Roman architects from a combination of the Greek Corinthian and Ionic styles. The typical Composite capital is decorated with the acanthus leaves of the Corinthian order surmounted by the volutes of the Ionic.