Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of Complex?

\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.