| compound interest |
interest earned or paid on both the original principal and the accrued unpaid interest. (Cf. simple interest.) |
| compound leaf |
a leaf composed of two or more leaflets on a single stalk. |
| compound microscope |
a microscope in which two lenses of differing focal lengths are mounted in an adjustable tube. |
| compound number |
a quantity expressed in two different but related units of measure, as dollars and cents or pounds and ounces. |
| compound sentence |
a sentence composed of two or more independent clauses, which are usu. linked by a conjunction, such as "The sky darkened and the wind howled". |
| comprehend |
to understand or grasp the meaning of. [3 definitions] |
| comprehensible |
understandable; intelligible. |
| comprehension |
the act, process, or product of comprehending; understanding. [3 definitions] |
| comprehensive |
wide or all-inclusive in range or scope. [3 definitions] |
| compress |
to press into less space, or condense as though pressing together. [4 definitions] |
| compressed |
pressed or squeezed together. [2 definitions] |
| compressed air |
air subjected to greater pressure than the surrounding atmosphere, esp. by mechanical means. |
| compression |
the act or process of pressing down on or together, causing flattening or condensing. [3 definitions] |
| compression ratio |
in an internal-combustion engine, the ratio of the largest to the smallest volume of a cylinder measured at the top and bottom of the piston stroke. |
| compressor |
something that compresses, esp. a device for compressing and condensing gases to drive machinery. |
| comprimario |
a singer who sings secondary operatic roles. |
| comprise |
to include. [2 definitions] |
| compromise |
a settlement of differences by partial concession of demands by each party, or the result of such a settlement. [7 definitions] |
| compromising |
risking or endangering one's principles or reputation. |
| comptroller |
variant of controller. |
| compulsion |
coercion or constraint; act of compelling. [3 definitions] |