Cool MateCompound
UK /["/ˈkɒmpaʊnd/"]/US /["/ˈkɑːmpaʊnd/"]/
Definition
a thing consisting of two or more separate things combined together
In simple words: A substance made of two or more elements joined together.
Examples
- A compound is formed when two or more elements are chemically bonded together.
- The researchers created a new compound that could potentially cure diseases.
- In linguistics, the term compound refers to a word that is made up of two or more smaller words.
- The compound interest on the investment will significantly increase its value over time.
- They built a compound to house both the laboratory and the living quarters.
Usage notes
Use 'compound' in scientific contexts, especially in chemistry. Avoid in everyday conversation unless explaining scientific concepts.
Grammar pattern
compound + noun
Memory hint
Think of 'compound' like a 'compound interest' — it builds up from smaller parts.
Collocations
- chemical
- inorganic
- organic
- form
- make
- produce
- contain something
- be derived from something
- be found in something
- compound of
- military
- palace
- prison
- in a/the compound
- inside a/the compound
Synonyms
- mixture
- composite
- combination
- blending
- fusion
Antonyms
- element
- simple substance
Common mistakes
- Confused with 'composite' – remember 'compound' refers to specific chemical substances.
- Using 'compound' for non-chemical mixtures – be clear it refers to combinations of elements.