Dictionary.com

compendium

[ kuhm-pen-dee-uhm ]
/ kəmˈpɛn di əm /
Save This Word!
See synonyms for compendium on Thesaurus.com
noun, plural com·pen·di·ums, com·pen·di·a [kuhm-pen-dee-uh]. /kəmˈpɛn di ə/.
a brief treatment or account of a subject, especially an extensive subject; concise treatise: a compendium of medicine.
a summary, epitome, or abridgment.
a full list or inventory: a compendium of their complaints.
QUIZ
CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?
There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?
Question 1 of 7
Which sentence is correct?
His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.
His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.
TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT
Also com·pend [kom-pend]. /ˈkɒm pɛnd/.

Origin of compendium

1575–85; <Latin: gain, saving, shortcut, abridgment, equivalent to com-com- + pend- (stem of pendere to cause to hang down, weigh) + -ium-ium
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Words related to compendium

abstract, brief, conspectus, digest, epitome, essence, guide, handbook, manual, overview, sketch, summary, survey, syllabus, aperçu, pandect, précis

How to use compendium in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for compendium

compendium
/ (kəmˈpɛndɪəm) /
noun plural -diums or -dia (-dɪə)
British a book containing a collection of useful hints
British a selection, esp of different games or other objects in one container
a concise but comprehensive summary of a larger work

Word Origin for compendium

C16: from Latin: a saving, literally: something weighed, from pendere to weigh
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
FEEDBACK