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

This combination of chemical and biological changes indicates that the quake swarm temporarily boosted the resources available to deep microbial life.

Read more on Science Daily

The combination of fiscal sustainability concerns and rate-cut expectations prompted options market traders to bet on a weaker sterling ahead of the budget.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The analysts said the combination of relative personal financial strength with widespread concern about the path of the economy will push consumers to keep spending but be more price-conscious, boosting off-price retailers.

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Harris says the combination with Megaport’s existing telecommunications network makes the company very well placed to solve key customer issues including unpredictable costs.

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California could see an early start to the annual flu season, as a combination of low vaccination rates and late mutations to the virus may leave the state particularly exposed to transmission, health experts say.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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