Definitions for: Complex


[n] a whole structure (as a building) made up of interconnected or related structures
[n] a conceptual whole made up of complicated and related parts
[n] (psychoanalysis) a combination of emotions and impulses that have been rejected from awareness but still influence a person's behavior
[n] a compound described in terms of the central atom to which other atoms are bound or coordinated
[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"



Webster (1913) Definition: 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.


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.

Synonyms: analyzable, building complex, Byzantine, colonial, complicated, composite, composite, compound, convoluted, coordination compound, decomposable, gordian, interlacing, interlinking, interlocking, interwoven, intricate, involved, knotty, labyrinthian, labyrinthine, mazy, multifactorial, multiplex, tangled, thickening, tortuous

Antonyms: simple

See Also: chemical compound, college, compound, construction, difficult, Electra complex, feeling, hard, hybrid, hydrochloride, industrial plant, inferiority complex, Oedipal complex, Oedipus complex, plant, ribbon development, structure, syndrome, whole, works

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