ˈkɔmpleks n. & adj. --n. 1 a
building, a
series of rooms, a
network, etc.
made up of
related parts (the arts complex). 2 Psychol. a related
group of usu. repressed feelings or thoughts
which cause abnormal behaviour or
mental states (see
inferiority complex (see OEDIPUS COMPLEX)). 3 (in
general use) a
preoccupation or
obsession (has a complex
about punctuality). 4 Chem. a compound in which molecules or ions
form coordinate bonds to a
metal atom or
ion. --adj. 1 consisting of related parts;
composite. 2 complicated (a complex problem). 3
Math. containing real
and imaginary parts (cf. IMAGINARY). øcomplex
sentence a sentence containing a
subordinate clause or clauses. øøcomplexity n. (pl. -ies). complexly adv. [F complexe or L complexus
past part. of complectere
embrace, assoc.
with complexus plaited]