Complex — Defs

01 a. Composed of two or more parts; composite; not simple; as, a complex being; a complex idea.

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.

Phrases & compounds

Complex fraction — See Fraction.

Complex number — in the theory of numbers, an expression of the form a + b√-1, when a and b are ordinary integers.

Syn. See Intricate.

02 n. Assemblage of related things; collection; complication.

1.
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.

Phrases & compounds

Complex of lines — 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.