complex

From Wiktionary
complex is on the Basic English 850 List.
complete - complex - condition
complex is on the Academic Word List.

Pronunciation[change]

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/
  • (file)
  • (file)
noun

Adjective[change]

Positive
complex

Comparative
more complex

Superlative
most complex

Complex is on the Academic Vocabulary List.
  1. If something is complex, it has lots of parts or pieces, or is difficult to understand.
    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[change]

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[change]