complex

Pronunciation

adjective

• enPR: kəmplĕks' or kŏm'plĕks
• (UK) IPA ^(key): /kəmˈplɛks/ or /ˈkɒmplɛks/, SAMPA: /k@m"plEks/ or /"kQmplEks/
• (US) IPA ^(key): /kəmˈplɛks/ or /ˈkɑmplɛks/, SAMPA: /k@m"plEks>/ or /"kAmplEks/

• Audio (UK)

  (file)

• Audio (US)

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noun

• enPR: kŏm'plĕks
• (UK) IPA ^(key): /ˈkɒmplɛks/, SAMPA: /"kQmplEks/
• (US) IPA ^(key): /ˈkɑmplɛks/, SAMPA: /"kAmplEks/

• Audio (UK)

  (file)

• Audio (US)

  (file)

Adjective

Positive complex

Comparative more complex

Superlative most complex

1. If something is complex, it has lots of parts or pieces, or is difficult to understand.
   • Synonym: complicated
   • Antonym: simple

   He has constructed a complex computer system to send translated messages between humans and dolphins.

   A complex problem that we face today is poverty, especially in Africa.

Noun

Singular complex

Plural complexes

1. A problem.
2. A group of buildings with a common purpose, such as a university or military base.
3. A psychologically-based dislike or fear of a particular thing.

   Jim has a complex about working for a woman boss.

4. A thunderstorm that forms when two storm fronts collide.
5. (chemistry) A structure with a central atom or molecule that has a weak connection to atoms or molecules around it.

Related words

• complexity
• complexness
• complexly