decompound

American  

[dee-kuhm-pound, dee-kom-pound, dee-kom-pound, -kuhm-] / ˌdi kəmˈpaʊnd, diˈkɒm paʊnd, ˌdi kɒmˈpaʊnd, -kəm- /

verb (used with object)

1. to decompose.

2. Obsolete.  to compound a second or further time.

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adjective

1. Botany.  divided into compound divisions.

2. composed of compounds compound the parts of which are also compounds, compound, as a bipinnate leaf.

decompound British  

/ ˌdiːkəmˈpaʊnd /

adjective

1. (of a compound leaf) having leaflets consisting of several distinct parts

2. made up of one or more compounds

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verb

1. a less common word for decompose

2. obsolete  to mix with or form from one or more compounds

Other Word Forms

• undecompounded adjective

Etymology

Origin of decompound

First recorded in 1605–15; de- + compound ¹

Example Sentences

Culm 3–6° high; leaves about 6´´ wide; cymes decompound, diffuse; bristles awl-shaped, stout, unequal, shorter than the achene.—Wet places, Penn. to Fla., west to S. Ind. and Mo. 14.

From Project Gutenberg

Having a forked petiole, and a pair of leaflets at the end of each division; biconjugate; twice paired; Ð said of a decompound leaf.

From Project Gutenberg

But if the division goes still further, or if the degree is variable, we simply say that the leaf is decompound; either palmately or pinnately decompound, as the case may be.

From Project Gutenberg

We have this advantage in the analysis of atmospherical air, being able both to decompound it, and to form it a new in the most satisfactory manner.

From Project Gutenberg

Cymes decompound, or in the northern form somewhat simple and smaller, and the spikelets usually more clustered; bristles capillary, twice the length of the achene.—Borders of ponds, Mass. to N. J. and Fla.; rare.

From Project Gutenberg

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