2 ADJ [ADJ n] The component parts of something are the parts that make it up. □ First we have to break the system down into its component parts. □ They manufacture component parts for engines.
com|port /kəmpɔː r t/ (comports , comporting , comported ) VERB If you comport yourself in a particular way, you behave in that way. [FORMAL ] □ [V pron-refl prep/adv] He comports himself with modesty.
com|pose /kəmpoʊ z/ (composes , composing , composed )
1 VERB The things that something is composed of are its parts or members. The separate things that compose something are the parts or members that form it. □ [be V -ed + of ] The force would be composed of troops from NATO countries. □ [V n] Protein molecules compose all the complex working parts of living cells. □ [V -ed] They agreed to form a council composed of leaders of the rival factions.
2 VERB When someone composes a piece of music, they write it. □ [V n] Vivaldi composed a large number of very fine concertos. □ [V ] Cale also uses electronic keyboards to compose.
3 VERB If you compose something such as a letter, poem, or speech, you write it, often using a lot of concentration or skill. [FORMAL ] □ [V n] He started at once to compose a reply to Anna. □ [V -ed] The document composed in Philadelphia transformed the confederation of sovereign states into a national government.
4 VERB If you compose yourself or if you compose your features, you succeed in becoming calm after you have been angry, excited, or upset. □ [V pron-refl] She quickly composed herself as the car started off. □ [V n] Then he composed his features, took Godwin's hand awkwardly and began to usher him from the office.
com|posed /kəmpoʊ zd/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If someone is composed , they are calm and able to control their feelings. □ Laura was very calm and composed.
com|pos|er /kəmpoʊ zə r / (composers ) N‑COUNT A composer is a person who writes music, especially classical music.
com|po|site /kɒ mpəz I t, [AM ] kəmpɑː z I t/ (composites ) ADJ [usu ADJ n] A composite object or item is made up of several different things, parts, or substances. □ …composite pictures with different faces superimposed over one another. ● N‑COUNT [usu sing] Composite is also a noun. □ [+ of ] Spain is a composite of diverse traditions and people.
com|po|si|tion /kɒ mpəz I ʃ ə n/ (compositions )
1 N‑UNCOUNT When you talk about the composition of something, you are referring to the way in which its various parts are put together and arranged. □ [+ of ] Television has transformed the size and composition of audiences. □ Forests vary greatly in composition from one part of the country to another.
2 N‑COUNT The compositions of a composer, painter, or other artist are the works of art that they have produced. □ Mozart's compositions are undoubtedly amongst the world's greatest.
3 N‑COUNT A composition is a piece of written work that children write at school.
4 N‑UNCOUNT Composition is the technique or skill involved in creating a work of art. □ He taught the piano, organ and composition.
com|po|si|tion|al /kɒ mpəz I ʃən ə l/ ADJ [ADJ n] Compositional refers to the way composers and artists use their skills or techniques in their work. [TECHNICAL ] □ …Mozart's compositional style.
com|posi|tor /kəmpɒ z I tə r / (compositors ) N‑COUNT A compositor is a person who arranges the text and pictures of a book, magazine, or newspaper before it is printed.
com|post /kɒ mpɒst, [AM ] -poʊst/ (composts , composting , composted )
1 N‑UNCOUNT Compost is a mixture of decayed plants and vegetable waste which is added to the soil to help plants grow. □ …a small compost heap.
2 N‑VAR Compost is specially treated soil that you buy and use to grow seeds and plants in pots.
3 VERB To compost things such as unwanted bits of plants means to make them into compost. □ [V n] Cut down and compost spent cucumbers, tomatoes and other crops.
com|po|sure /kəmpoʊ ʒə r / N‑UNCOUNT Composure is the appearance or feeling of calm and the ability to control your feelings. [FORMAL ] □ For once Dimbleby lost his composure. It was all he could do to stop tears of mirth falling down his cheeks.
com|pote /kɒ mpoʊt/ (compotes ) N‑VAR Compote is fruit stewed with sugar or in syrup.
com|pound (compounds , compounding , compounded ) The noun is pronounced /kɒ mpaʊnd/. The verb is pronounced /kəmpaʊ nd/. 1 N‑COUNT A compound is an enclosed area of land that is used for a particular purpose. □ Police fired on them as they fled into the embassy compound. □ …a military compound.
2 N‑COUNT In chemistry, a compound is a substance that consists of two or more elements. □ Organic compounds contain carbon in their molecules.
3 N‑COUNT [usu sing] If something is a compound of different things, it consists of those things. [FORMAL ] □ [+ of ] Salt in its essential form is a compound of sodium and chlorine.
4 ADJ [ADJ n] Compound is used to indicate that something consists of two or more parts or things. □ …a tall shrub with shiny compound leaves. □ …the compound microscope.
5 ADJ [ADJ n] In grammar, a compound noun, adjective, or verb is one that is made up of two or more words, for example 'fire engine', 'bottle-green', and 'force-feed'.