composite
Composite (adjective) means Made up of several distinct parts combined together. Example: “The report is a composite of data from three separate surveys.”
How to use composite
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishMade of several parts blended into one, or (in maths) a number divisible by more than just itself and 1.
Word forms
more composite comparative, composited past tense, composites singular, most composite superlative
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Can you complete this real example?
The report is a _____ of data from three separate surveys.
Etymology
From Latin compositus, "put together," the past participle of componere. A doublet of "compost" and "compote," which come from the same Latin root.
Related words
Rhymes for composite
See all rhymes for composite →Frequently asked questions
What does “composite” mean?
The word “composite” means made up of several distinct parts combined together. In plain terms, made of several parts blended into one, or (in maths) a number divisible by more than just itself and 1.
How do you pronounce “composite”?
“Composite” is pronounced KOM-puh-ziht (/kəmˈpɑzɪt/ in IPA).
How do you use “composite” in a sentence?
Here is “composite” used in a sentence: “The report is a composite of data from three separate surveys.”
What part of speech is “composite”?
Depending on how it is used, “composite” can be an adjective and a verb.
Where does the word “composite” come from?
The word “composite” comes from Latin. From Latin compositus, "put together," the past participle of componere. A doublet of "compost" and "compote," which come from the same Latin root.
Is “composite” a common word?
“Composite” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “composite” have?
“Composite” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: made up of several distinct parts combined together.
What is the difference between a composite number and a prime number?
A composite number can be divided evenly by a whole number other than itself and 1, meaning it has factors beyond those two. A prime number can only be divided evenly by 1 and itself. For example, 6 is composite because it divides by 2 and 3, while 7 is prime.
Is the number 1 a composite number?
No, 1 is not a composite number, because a composite number must be divisible evenly by a whole number other than itself and 1. The number 1 has no such divisor, so it is classed as neither composite nor prime.
What is the difference between 'composite' and 'complex'?
'Composite' describes something made up of several distinct parts combined together, stressing that separate elements have been joined. 'Complex' stresses intricacy and interconnection rather than simply that parts were combined. Something can be composite without being complicated.
What are common collocations with 'composite'?
'Composite' often pairs with nouns such as 'composite material', 'composite image', 'composite number', and 'composite sketch'. In each case it signals that the thing is assembled from separate components.