Other forms: combinations
A combination is a grouping together of separate things. Your desire to live to a big city might come from a combination of your dreams of being on stage, and your obsession with underground trains.
Combination is the act of combining, which comes from the Latin for «joining together two by two,» although it’s not necessary that you combine things in pairs. Your famous party mix might be a combination of pretzels, nuts, and espresso beans. Your locker combination is the set of numbers you have to dial to open the lock. If you plan to go on a TV talent show, get ready to learn some dance combinations. Kick, spin, drop, roll!
Definitions of combination
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noun
the act of combining things to form a new whole
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synonyms:
combining, compounding
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types:
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affixation, attachment
the act of attaching or affixing something
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confusion
an act causing a disorderly combination of elements with identities lost and distinctions blended
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admixture, commixture, intermixture, mix, mixing, mixture
the act of mixing together
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fusion
the act of fusing (or melting) together
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blend, blending
the act of blending components together thoroughly
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interspersal, interspersion
the act of combining one thing at intervals among other things
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temperance
the act of tempering
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conjugation, jointure, unification, union, uniting
the act of making or becoming a single unit
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consolidation, integration
the act of combining into an integral whole
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graft, grafting
the act of grafting something onto something else
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babel
a confusion of voices and other sounds
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confluence, conflux, merging
a flowing together
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homogenisation, homogenization
the act of making something homogeneous or uniform in composition
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coalescence, coalescency, coalition, concretion, conglutination
the union of diverse things into one body or form or group; the growing together of parts
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reunification, reunion
the act of coming together again
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tribalisation, tribalization
the act of making tribal; unification on a tribal basis
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umbrella
having the function of uniting a group of similar things
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centralisation, centralization
the act of consolidating power under a central control
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incorporation
consolidating two or more things; union in (or into) one body
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amalgamation, merger, uniting
the combination of two or more commercial companies
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vertical combination, vertical integration
absorption into a single firm of several firms involved in all aspects of a product’s manufacture from raw materials to distribution
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horizontal combination, horizontal integration
absorption into a single firm of several firms involved in the same level of production and sharing resources at that level
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type of:
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change of integrity
the act of changing the unity or wholeness of something
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noun
a collection of things that have been combined; an assemblage of separate parts or qualities
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noun
the act of arranging elements into specified groups without regard to order
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noun
a group of people (often temporary) having a common purpose
“they were a winning
combination” -
noun
an alliance of people or corporations or countries for a special purpose (formerly to achieve some antisocial end but now for general political or economic purposes)
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noun
a sequence of numbers or letters that opens a combination lock
“he forgot the
combination to the safe” -
noun
a coordinated sequence of chess moves
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often attributive
1
a
: a result or product of combining
Water is a combination of hydrogen and oxygen.
especially
: an alliance of individuals, corporations, or states united to achieve a social, political, or economic end
b
: two or more persons working as a team
Together they are a winning combination.
2
: an ordered sequence: such as
a
: a sequence of letters or numbers chosen in setting a lock
What is the combination to the safe?
also
: the mechanism operating or moved by the sequence
b
: a rapid sequence of punches in boxing
c
: any subset of a set considered without regard to order within the subset
3
: any of various one-piece undergarments for the upper and lower parts of the body
—usually used in plural
wore combinations in the winter to keep warm
4
: an instrument designed to perform two or more tasks
The tool is a jackknife and bottle opener combination.
5
a
: the act or process of combining
especially
: that of uniting to form a chemical compound
The combination of these two chemicals can cause an explosion.
b
: the quality or state of being combined
Synonyms
Example Sentences
Water is a combination of hydrogen and oxygen.
The car’s interior is available in various color combinations.
A combination of factors led to her decision.
The milkshakes come in chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla, or any combination of these.
He has the right combination of talent and experience.
The combination of these two chemicals can cause an explosion.
What is the combination to the safe?
See More
Recent Examples on the Web
View Photos Inside, the Type S offers front seats with a bit of extra bolstering that are trimmed in a leather and suede upholstery combination available in either red, black, or white.
—
Joey Capparella, Car and Driver, 12 Apr. 2023
The box is made of plastic and polypropylene resin, a low-maintenance combination that can withstand the elements.
—Jamie Weissman, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Apr. 2023
Individual letters, or letter combinations, are processed separately and then integrated to form a coherent word.
—Jamie Dickman, Popular Science, 11 Apr. 2023
Before Prince Louis, Prince George was known for his shorts and knee socks combinations — even in the winter.
—Stephanie Petit, Peoplemag, 11 Apr. 2023
These 8-inch by 10-inch photos are framed with a light wood much like driftwood at the beach, and the soothing combination of gray and beige in every image will deliver a subtle calming effect within your living room or bedroom.
—Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 11 Apr. 2023
The combination of factors has made this the most expensive first-round series for Warriors’ tickets since 2013, when the team started its long run.
—Sam Whiting, San Francisco Chronicle, 11 Apr. 2023
The two-pill combination has been considered safe and effective for inducing abortions for more than 20 years.
—Amanda Gokee, BostonGlobe.com, 11 Apr. 2023
Advertisement Media folks welcome delight interesting stories, and for intrigue, none of MLB’s other 29 clubs can match the ‘23 Pads’ combination of star power and snooze-proof narrative.
—Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Apr. 2023
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These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word ‘combination.’ Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Time Traveler
The first known use of combination was
in the 14th century
Dictionary Entries Near combination
Cite this Entry
“Combination.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/combination. Accessed 14 Apr. 2023.
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More from Merriam-Webster on combination
Last Updated:
14 Apr 2023
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
Asked by: Brennon Lang
Score: 4.8/5
(71 votes)
In mathematics, a combination is a selection of items from a collection, such that the order of selection does not matter.
What does any combination mean?
a collection of things that have been combined; an assemblage of separate parts or qualities. combinationnoun.
What is word combination?
Many scientific words are based either on combinations of prefixes/suffixes of Greek, Latin, Indo-European or other origin linked to descriptive words or are combinations of short independent words included together as part of descriptive phrases.
What is combination with example?
A combination is a selection of all or part of a set of objects, without regard to the order in which objects are selected. For example, suppose we have a set of three letters: A, B, and C. … Each possible selection would be an example of a combination. The complete list of possible selections would be: AB, AC, and BC.
What does combinations mean in math?
A combination is a mathematical technique that determines the number of possible arrangements in a collection of items where the order of the selection does not matter. In combinations, you can select the items in any order.
23 related questions found
How does combination work?
Combinations are a way to calculate the total outcomes of an event where order of the outcomes does not matter. To calculate combinations, we will use the formula nCr = n! / r! * (n — r)!, where n represents the total number of items, and r represents the number of items being chosen at a time.
How do you represent a combination?
These combinations (subsets) are enumerated by the 1 digits of the set of base 2 numbers counting from 0 to 2n − 1, where each digit position is an item from the set of n. Representing these subsets (in the same order) as base 2 numerals: 0 – 000. 1 – 001.
What is the example of combination reaction?
When a combination reaction occurs between a metal and a non-metal the product is an ionic solid. An example could be lithium reacting with sulfur to give lithium sulfide. When magnesium burns in air, the atoms of the metal combine with the gas oxygen to produce magnesium oxide.
What are the types of combination?
Combination reactions are of three types:
- In the first type of combination reaction, an element combines with another element to form a new compound. …
- In second type of combination reaction, an element combines with a compound. …
- In the third type of combination, 2 or more compounds combine to form a new compound.
What is a combination problem?
Stated generally, the combination problem is the problem of how precisely the fundamental conscious minds come to compose, constitute, or give rise to some further, additional conscious mind (especially our own).
What is it called when 2 words are combined?
Portmanteau word, also called blend, a word that results from blending two or more words, or parts of words, such that the portmanteau word expresses some combination of the meaning of its parts.
What is it called when you put two words together to make one?
listen), /ˌpɔːrtmænˈtoʊ/) or portmanteau word (from «portmanteau (luggage)») is a blend of words in which parts of multiple words are combined into a new word, as in smog, coined by blending smoke and fog, or motel, from motor and hotel. …
What is perfect combination?
1 having all essential elements. 2 unblemished; faultless.
Can you use combination in a sentence?
A combination of factors led to her decision. The milkshakes come in chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla, or any combination of these. He has the right combination of talent and experience. The combination of these two chemicals can cause an explosion.
What is combination or combinational mean?
Definitions of combinational. adjective. able to or tending to combine. synonyms: combinable, combinatory combinative, combinatory. marked by or relating to or resulting from combination.
What is a combination in statistics?
A combination is a selection of all or part of a set of objects, without regard to the order in which they were selected. This means that XYZ is considered the same combination as ZYX.
Which is the combination reaction?
A combination reaction is a reaction in which two reactants combine to form one product. … When a metal undergos a combination reaction with oxygen, a metal oxide is formed (similarily, a metal halide is formed if reacted with one of the halogens).
What is combination reaction and types?
Combination Reaction
A reaction in which two or more reactants combine to form a single product is known as a combination reaction. It takes the form of X + Y → XY. Combination reaction is also known as a synthesis reaction. Example of combination reaction: 2Na + Cl2 → 2NaCl.
Which is not a combination reaction?
The second reaction is not an example of combination reaction. (AgNO3+NaCl —>AgCl + NaNO3.) … But,in the second reaction,only the NO3 and Cl are interchanging their places to make the chemical products of the reaction. So,here no combination of the reactants is happening.
What is direct combination?
A synthesis reaction or direct combination reaction is a type of chemical reaction in which two or more simple substances combine to form a more complex product. The reactants may be elements or compounds, while the product is always a compound.
What are combination reaction explain with an equation?
A combination reaction (also known as a synthesis reaction) is a reaction where two or more elements or compounds (reactants) combine to form a single compound (product). Such reactions are represented by equations of the following form: X + Y → XY. … Combination reaction is also known as a synthesis reaction.
What is combination reaction give two examples?
In combination reactions, two or more substances combine to form a new compound. Only one product is obtained in such reactions. The reactants in such reactions can be elements as well as compounds. For Example, Calcium oxide reacts with water to produce calcium hydroxide.
Does combination matter?
When the order doesn’t matter, it is a Combination. When the order does matter it is a Permutation.
Is repetition allowed in combination?
Permutations: order matters, repetitions are not allowed. (regular) Combinations: order does NOT matter, repetitions are not allowed. Combinations WITH Repetitions: order does NOT matter, repetitions ARE allowed.
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Defenition of the word combination
- A collection of things that have been combined.
- the act of arranging elements into specified groups without regard to order
- a collection of things that have been combined; an assemblage of separate parts or qualities
- an alliance of people or corporations or countries for a special purpose (formerly to achieve some antisocial end but now for general political or economic purposes)
- a group of people (often temporary) having a common purpose; «they were a winning combination»
- a sequence of numbers or letters that opens a combination lock; «he forgot the combination to the safe»
- an occurrence that results in things being combined
- the act of combining things
- the act of combining things to form a new whole
- a coordinated sequence of chess moves
- a group of people (often temporary) having a common purpose
- a sequence of numbers or letters that opens a combination lock
Synonyms for the word combination
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- amalgamation
- arrangement
- blend
- code
- combine
- combining
- compounding
- grouping
- mishmash
- mixture
- number sequence
- order
- pattern
- permutation
- recipe
Similar words in the combination
-
- combination
- combination’s
- combinations
Hyponyms for the word combination
-
- admixture
- affixation
- amalgam
- attachment
- blend
- blending
- color scheme
- colour scheme
- combination in restraint of trade
- commixture
- complexion
- confusion
- conjugation
- consolidation
- fusion
- haplotype
- integration
- intermixture
- interspersal
- interspersion
- jointure
- mix
- mixing
- mixture
- temperance
- unification
- union
- uniting
Hypernyms for the word combination
-
- accumulation
- aggregation
- alignment
- alinement
- alliance
- assemblage
- change of integrity
- coalition
- collection
- mathematical operation
- mathematical process
- operation
- sequence
- social unit
- union
- unit
See other words
-
- What is collie
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- The interpretation of the word collect
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- The lexical meaning collapse
- The dictionary meaning of the word cold
- The grammatical meaning of the word col
- Meaning of the word cokehead
- Literal and figurative meaning of the word coin
- The origin of the word come on
- Synonym for the word comedy
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- Homonyms for the word comma
- Hyponyms for the word commandant
- Holonyms for the word commentary
- Hypernyms for the word commenter
- Proverbs and sayings for the word commercial
- Translation of the word in other languages commission
- Top Definitions
- Synonyms
- Quiz
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- Examples
- British
This shows grade level based on the word’s complexity.
[ kom-buh—ney-shuhn ]
/ ˌkɒm bəˈneɪ ʃən /
This shows grade level based on the word’s complexity.
noun
the act of combining or the state of being combined.
a number of things combined: a combination of ideas.
something formed by combining: A chord is a combination of notes.
an alliance of persons or parties: a combination in restraint of trade.
the set or series of numbers or letters used in setting the mechanism of a combination lock.
the parts of the mechanism operated by this.
Often combinations. a suit of underwear in one piece.
Mathematics.
- the arrangement of elements into various groups without regard to their order in the group.
- a group thus formed.Compare permutation (def. 1).
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Origin of combination
1350–1400; Middle English combinacyoun (<Middle French ) <Late Latin combīnātiōn- (stem of combīnātiō), equivalent to combīnāt(us) combined (see combine, -ate1) + -iōn--ion
OTHER WORDS FROM combination
com·bi·na·tion·al, adjectivein·ter·com·bi·na·tion, nounnon·com·bi·na·tion, nounpre·com·bi·na·tion, noun
su·per·com·bi·na·tion, nounun·com·bi·na·tion·al, adjective
Words nearby combination
combed yarn, comber, comber board, comb-footed spider, combinable, combination, combination door, combination drug, combination last, combination lock, combination principle
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Words related to combination
combo, consolidation, merger, mix, sequence, solution, partnership, aggregate, amalgam, amalgamation, blending, brew, coalescence, composite, compound, connection, fusion, junction, medley, miscellany
How to use combination in a sentence
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The waxing and waning of the infections every year is a combination of the potential for transmission at different times combined with how many susceptible people there are in the population.
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“All pain experiences are a combination of physical and emotional responses,” Robertson says.
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“The combination of these problems doomed the Lion Air and Ethiopian Airlines flights,” the report said.
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A particular combination of atoms will always react with other chemicals in the same way.
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To create a more visually engaging setting for Disrupt’s programming, TechCrunch created a 3D rendering of the Moscone Center using a combination of green screens, real sets and video call-ins from guests.
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He uses some combination of the words comfort or discomfort in regards to how he feels about situations over 30 times.
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While the look worked for some, the combination of heat and chemicals took a toll on the hair of others.
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But if he heard this combination of Greek and Cuban music, he would be forced to reconsider.
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Late Thursday night, the House passed the combination continuing resolution/omnibus spending bill by a vote of 219-206.
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“African-American males have some of the worst health data out of any sort of gender-race combination in our country,” he said.
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Father, mother, sister, and brother all played and worked together with rare combination of sympathetic gifts.
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The other was the spirited portrait of Baron von Friedericks, a happy combination of cavalier and soldier in its manly strength.
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In the lungs hemoglobin forms a loose combination with oxygen, which it readily gives up when it reaches the tissues.
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Before Ulm he nearly ruined Napoleon’s combination by failing to get in contact with the enemy.
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About midnight the combination of sultry heat and banked clouds produced the usual results.
British Dictionary definitions for combination
noun
the act of combining or state of being combined
a union of separate parts, qualities, etc
an alliance of people or parties; group having a common purpose
- the set of numbers that opens a combination lock
- the mechanism of this type of lock
British a motorcycle with a sidecar attached
maths
- an arrangement of the numbers, terms, etc, of a set into specified groups without regard to order in the groupthe combinations of a, b, and c, taken two at a time, are ab, bc, ac
- a group formed in this way. The number of combinations of n objects taken r at a time is n !/[(n – r)! r !]. Symbol: n C rCompare permutation (def. 1)
the chemical reaction of two or more compounds, usually to form one other compound
chess a tactical manoeuvre involving a sequence of moves and more than one piece
Derived forms of combination
combinational, adjective
Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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