noun A fenced or walled area containing a group of buildings, often used for security or living quarters.
- Workers lived in a walled compound near the mine.
- Guards checked everyone who entered the compound gates.
- The embassy compound was heavily guarded.
adjective Made up of two or more parts or elements combined.
- Football" is another compound noun, made from two smaller words.
- An insect's compound eye is made up of many tiny lenses.
- Toothbrush" is a compound word.
verb To combine different elements or ingredients into one substance.
- Chemists compound the powders with oil to make a smooth ointment.
- The cook compounded flour, butter and sugar into a thick paste.
- The pharmacist compounded the medication to the doctor's specifications.
verb To make a problem worse by adding to it.
- Heavy rain compounded the delays caused by the roadworks.
- Don't compound the mistake by lying about it.
- Missing the deadline only compounded her stress.
verb (finance) To calculate interest on both the original amount and the interest already earned.
- Interest compounds each year, so small savings grow faster over time.
- If the bank compounds interest quarterly, your balance will rise slightly faster.
- The savings account compounds interest monthly.
