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adj. 1. a. Made up of distinct components; compound. b. Made by combining two or more existing things, such as photographs. 2. Mathematics Having factors; factorable. 3. Botany Of, belonging to, or characteristic of the composite family. 4. Composite Architecture Of, relating to, or being in the Composite order. n. 1. A structure or entity made up of distinct components: a musical suite that is a composite of operatic themes. 2. A material in which two or more distinct, structurally complementary materials, usually a matrix material and a reinforcing material, are combined to produce structural or functional properties not present in any individual component. Wood, bone, concrete, plastic reinforced by glass fibers, and graphite reinforced with carbon fibers are all composite materials. 3. Botany A plant in the composite family. 4. Mathematics The application of one function to another. For example, if (x) = x2 and g(x) = x + 1, then the composite (g(x)) = (x + 1)2 and the composite g((x)) = x2 + 1. tr.v. com·pos·it·ed, com·pos·it·ing, com·pos·ites 1. To make using distinct components. 2. To make by combining two or more photographs or images. [French, from Old French, from Latin compositus, past participle of compōnere, to put together; see COMPONENT.] com·posite·ly adv. com·posite·ness n. |
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