Hypertext Webster Gateway: "complex"

From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)

Complex \Com"plex\, a. [L. complexus, p. p. of complecti to
entwine around, comprise; com- + plectere to twist, akin to
plicare to fold. See {Plait}, n.]
1. Composed of two or more parts; composite; not simple; as,
a complex being; a complex idea.

Ideas thus made up of several simple ones put
together, I call complex; such as beauty, gratitude,
a man, an army, the universe. --Locke.

2. Involving many parts; complicated; intricate.

When the actual motions of the heavens are
calculated in the best possible way, the process is
difficult and complex. --Whewell.

{Complex fraction}. See {Fraction}.

{Complex number} (Math.), in the theory of numbers, an
expression of the form a + b[root]-1, when a and b are
ordinary integers.

Syn: See {Intricate}.

From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)

Complex \Com"plex\, n. [L. complexus]
Assemblage of related things; collection; complication.

This parable of the wedding supper comprehends in it
the whole complex of all the blessings and privileges
exhibited by the gospel. --South.

{Complex of lines} (Geom.), all the possible straight lines
in space being considered, the entire system of lines
which satisfy a single relation constitute a complex; as,
all the lines which meet a given curve make up a complex.
The lines which satisfy two relations constitute a
congruency of lines; as, the entire system of lines, each
one of which meets two given surfaces, is a congruency.

From WordNet (r) 1.7 (wn)

complex
adj : complicated in structure; consisting of interconnected
parts; "a complex set of variations based on a simple
folk melody"; "a complex mass of diverse laws and
customs" [ant: {simple}]
n 1: a conceptual whole made up of complicated and related parts
[syn: {composite}]
2: a compound described in terms of the central atom to which
other atoms are bound or coordinated [syn: {coordination
compound}]
3: (psychoanalysis) a combination of emotions and impulses that
have been rejected from awareness but still influence a
person's behavior
4: a whole structure (as a building) made up of interconnected
or related structures [syn: {building complex}]


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