GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

last match results

Found 2 definitions

1.       
   Complex , a. [L. complexus, p. p. of complecti to entwine around, comprise; com- + plectere to twist, akin to plicare to fold. See Plait, n.]
   Composed of two or more parts; composite; not simple; as, a complex being; a complex idea.
   1913 Webster
   Ideas thus made up of several simple ones put together, I call complex; such as beauty, gratitude, a man, an army, the universe.
   Locke.
   
   1913 Webster
   Involving many parts; complicated; intricate.
   1913 Webster
   When the actual motions of the heavens are calculated in the best possible way, the process is difficult and complex.
   Whewell.
   
   1913 Webster
   Complex fraction. See Fraction. -- Complex number (Math.), in the theory of numbers, an expression of the form a + b√-1, when a and b are ordinary integers.
   Syn. -- See Intricate.
   1913 Webster
   
         
       

2.       
   Complex, n. [L. complexus] Assemblage of related things; collection; complication.
   1913 Webster
   This parable of the wedding supper comprehends in it the whole complex of all the blessings and privileges exhibited by the gospel.
   South.
   
   1913 Webster
   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.
   1913 Webster