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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

Related Forms:

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Alternate definitions:
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.


Webster's New World Roget's A-Z Thesaurus Copyright © 1999 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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.

Modifies a noun

  • boiler: The house is alarmed, double glazed and central heated by a gas combination boiler.

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.

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.
combination usage examples (more)

The word usage examples above have been gathered from various sources to reflect current and historical usage. They do not represent the opinions of YourDictionary.com.

combination quotes

The quality of strength lined with tenderness is an unbeatable combination, as are intelligence and necessity when unblunted by formal education.

-Angelou, Maya originally MayaJohnson

Our deeds determine us, as much as we determine our deeds; and until we know what has been or will be the peculiar combination of outward with inward facts, which constitute a man's critical actions, it will be better not to thinkourselves wise about his character.

-Eliot, George pseudonym of  MaryAnn Evans

Practical efficiency is common, and lofty idealism is not uncommon; it is the combination that is necessary, and that combination is rare.

-Roosevelt,Theodore

combination quotes (more)

Webster's New World Dictionary of Quotations Copyright © 2005 by Chambers Harrap Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved. Published by Wiley, Hoboken, NJ. Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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MLA Style

"combination." Webster's New World College Dictionary. 2009

  • Your Dictionary. 5 July 2009
  • <www.yourdictionary.com/combination>

APA Style

combination. (2009). In Webster's New World College Dictionary

  • Retrieved July 5th, 2009, from www.yourdictionary.com/combination

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