combination

[kom-buh-ney-shuhn]

noun

1. the act of combining or the state of being combined.

   Synonyms: coalescence, union, conjunction, association

2. a number of things combined.

   a combination of ideas.

   Synonyms: amalgam, amalgamation, mixture

3. something formed by combining.

   A chord is a combination of notes.

4. an alliance of persons or parties.

   a combination in restraint of trade.

   Synonyms: conspiracy, cabal, bloc, monopoly, combine, cartel, cartel, coalition, league, league, federation, association

5. the set or series of numbers or letters used in setting the mechanism of a combination lock.

6. the parts of the mechanism operated by this.

7. Often combinations. a suit of underwear in one piece.

8. Mathematics.

   1. the arrangement of elements into various groups without regard to their order in the group.

   2. a group thus formed.

combination

/ ˌkɒmbɪˈneɪʃən /

noun

1. the act of combining or state of being combined

2. a union of separate parts, qualities, etc

3. an alliance of people or parties; group having a common purpose

4. 1. the set of numbers that opens a combination lock

   2. the mechanism of this type of lock

5. a motorcycle with a sidecar attached

6. maths

   1. an arrangement of the numbers, terms, etc, of a set into specified groups without regard to order in the group

      the combinations of a, b, and c, taken two at a time, are ab, bc, ac

   2. a group formed in this way. The number of combinations of n objects taken r at a time is n !/[( n – r )! r !]. Symbol: n C r Compare permutation

7. the chemical reaction of two or more compounds, usually to form one other compound

8. chess a tactical manoeuvre involving a sequence of moves and more than one piece

Other Word Forms

• combinational adjective
• intercombination noun
• noncombination noun
• precombination noun
• supercombination noun
• uncombinational adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of combination¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English combinacyoun, from Middle French, from Late Latin combīnātiōn-, stem of combīnātiō “a joining by twos,” equivalent to combīnāt(us) “combined,” literally, “joined by twos” (past participle of combīnāre; combine ) + -iō -ion

Example Sentences

Many lifestyle choices can influence the ability to maintain good health and happiness, defined in this research as a combination of physical, psychological, emotional, social, and self-rated well-being, even in the presence of chronic conditions.

Read more on Science Daily

So the current combination of a high P/E and very high concentration indicate a high level of risk for the S&P 500.

Read more on MarketWatch

There was some good combination play and we created a lot of chances.

Read more on Barron's

Anniversary celebrations usually involve a combination of congratulations, good wishes, and a few words of reflection and thanks.

Read more on Barron's

I bonds have interest that depends on a combination of a fixed rate and an adjustable rate.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• combo 
• consolidation 
• merger 
• mix 
• sequence 
• solution