conglomerate

American  

[kuhn-glom-er-it, kuhng-, kuhn-glom-uh-reyt, kuhng-] / kənˈglɒm ər ɪt, kəŋ-, kənˈglɒm əˌreɪt, kəŋ- /

noun

1. anything composed of heterogeneous materials or elements.

2. a corporation consisting of a number of subsidiary companies or divisions in a variety of unrelated industries, usually as a result of merger or acquisition.

3. Geology. a rock consisting of pebbles or the like embedded in a finer cementing material; consolidated gravel.

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adjective

1. gathered into a rounded mass; consisting of parts so gathered; clustered.

2. consisting of heterogeneous parts or elements.

3. of or relating to a corporate conglomerate.

4. Geology. of the nature of a conglomerate.

verb (used with object)

conglomerated, conglomerating

1. to bring together into a cohering mass.

2. to gather into a ball or rounded mass.

verb (used without object)

conglomerated, conglomerating

1. to collect or cluster together.

2. (of a company) to become part of or merge with a conglomerate.

conglomerate British  

noun

1. a thing composed of heterogeneous elements; mass

2. any coarse-grained sedimentary rock consisting of rounded fragments of rock embedded in a finer matrix Compare agglomerate

3. a large corporation consisting of a group of companies dealing in widely diversified goods, services, etc

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verb

1. to form into a cluster or mass

adjective

1. made up of heterogeneous elements; massed

2. (of sedimentary rocks) consisting of rounded fragments within a finer matrix

conglomerate Scientific  

/ kən-glŏm′ə-rāt′ /

1. A coarse-grained sedimentary rock consisting of round rock fragments cemented together by hardened silt, clay, calcium carbonate, or a similar material. The fragments (known as clasts) have a diameter of at least 2 mm (0.08 inches), vary in composition and origin, and may include pebbles, cobbles, boulders, or fossilized seashells. Conglomerates often form through the transportation and deposition of sediments by streams, alluvial fans, and glaciers.

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conglomerate Cultural  

1. A corporation with diversified holdings that are acquired through mergers and acquisitions but that are not necessarily related.

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Other Word Forms

• conglomeratic adjective
• conglomeritic adjective
• deconglomerate verb
• miniconglomerate noun
• pseudoconglomerate adjective
• superconglomerate noun
• unconglomerated adjective

Etymology

Origin of conglomerate

1565–75; < Latin conglomerātus (past participle of conglomerāre ), equivalent to con- con- + glomer- (stem of glomus ) ball of yarn + -ātus -ate ¹

Example Sentences

Prince Bank is a subsidiary of Chen's Prince Holding Group, one of Cambodia's largest conglomerates.

From Barron's

The Japanese conglomerate acquired UK-based Jacobson Group -- which has a portfolio of multiple footwear brands including Gola -- as part of its "initiative to build a lifestyle brand business platform", it said Wednesday in a statement.

From Barron's

Many conglomerates forged in the 20th century have spent this century breaking themselves apart, arguing that the pieces would be better managed—and worth more—than the whole.

From The Wall Street Journal

Paying Berkshire’s new CEO a salary more in line with others who share the same title is just one way the storied conglomerate is starting to look more like a normal corporation.

From The Wall Street Journal

Chen Zhi, the alleged ringleader of one of Asia’s largest scam conglomerates, was arrested in Cambodia and extradited to China, the Cambodian government said Wednesday.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• cartel
• chain
• group
• syndicate