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combination Definition

com·bi·na·tion (käm′bə nās̸hən)

noun

  1. a combining or being combined
  2. a thing formed by combining
  3. an association of persons, firms, political parties, etc. for a common purpose
    1. the series of numbers or letters used in opening a combination lock
    2. the mechanism operating such a lock
  4. a one-piece undergarment combining an undershirt and drawers
  5. Chem. a uniting of substances to form a compound
  6. Math. any of the various groupings, or subsets, into which a number, or set, of units may be arranged without regard to order: dual combinations of A, B, C, and D are AB, AC, AD, BC, BD, CD
  7. Pool a shot in which an object ball is pocketed as a result of being struck by another object ball

Etymology: ME combinacioun < LL combinatio, a joining two by two

combination Related Forms

com′·bi·na·tional adjective

combination Synonyms

combination

n.

  1. The act of combining

    uniting, joining, unification, blending; see incorporation 2, union 1.

  2. An association

    union, alliance, federation; see alliance 3, organization 3.

  3. Something formed by combining

    compound, aggregate, blend; see mixture 1.

  4. Symbols used as a key

    order, sequence, succession; see key 2.

combination Usage Examples

Converse of object

comprise: The restaurant starter menu comprises a wonderfully imaginative combination of classic flavors with an eye on the best of international trends.

Converse of subject

assess: You will be assessed by a combination of class exercises and exams.

Adjective modifier

  • winning: Didnt take long to sort the Aussies into a winning combination, Russia may be the suprise packet in the group.
  • unique: Short Description Healthy Direct's MSM cream is a unique combination of MSM in a topical form!
  • linear: Discrete Random Variables: mean and variance; linear combinations; covariance and correlation.
  • unbeatable: Used together, Beginner's Chinese and Behind the Wheel Chinese form an unbeatable combination.
  • perfect: Podcasting is a perfect combination of all of these things.
  • powerful: A powerful combination is to link the output of a survey with the Email Engine.

Modifies a noun

  • boiler: The house is alarmed, double glazed and central heated by a gas combination boiler.
  • therapy: Combination therapy is the term for using three or more drugs to treat HIV.
  • microwave: Currently the three main types of microwaves are the standard microwave oven, the microwave with a grill and the combination microwave oven.
  • regimen: In head and neck cancer, a modest response rate encourages further exploration of epirubicin and related anthracyclines in combination regimens.
  • padlock: Pink Combination Padlock - for extra security use this robust, easy to change combination padlock to secure your luggage.
  • because: A Dolmio meal is always a winning combination because It stars a red-hot, saucy Italian who'll never get canned!

Noun used with modifier

color: Some systems offer little flexibility, forcing you to adopt color combinations, font sizes or layouts that hinder accessibility.

Preposition: of

  • coursework: You will normally be assessed by a combination of coursework and exams.
  • factor: The risk of infection adds to the combination of risk factors.
  • lecture: Teaching and assessment Teaching is by a combination of lectures and seminars at all three Stages.

Preposition: with

  • ribavirin: Extreme care must be taken to avoid pregnancy in female patients or in partners of male patients taking ViraferonPeg in combination with ribavirin.
  • cisplatin: The recommended dose of raltitrexed in combination with cisplatin and epirubicin is 2.5 mg/m2.