complex

complex [käm pleks′, käm′pleks΄; kəm pleks′; ] for n. always [ käm′pleks΄]

adj.

[< L complexus, pp. of complecti, to encircle, embrace < com-, with + plectere, to weave: see FLAX]

1. consisting of two or more related parts

2. not simple; involved or complicated

n.

1. a group of interrelated ideas, activities, etc. that form, or are viewed as forming, a single whole

2. an assemblage of units, as buildings or roadways, that together form a single, comprehensive group

3. Psychoanalysis

a) an integration of impulses, ideas, and emotions related to a particular object, activity, etc., largely unconscious, but strongly influencing the individual's attitudes and behavior

b) popularly an exaggerated dislike or fear

complexly

adv.

SYN.- COMPLEX refers to that which is made up of many elaborately interrelated or interconnected parts, so that much study or knowledge is needed to understand or operate it [a complex mechanism ]; COMPLICATED is applied to that which is highly complex and hence very difficult to analyze, solve, or understand [a complicated problem ]; INTRICATE specifically suggests a perplexingly elaborate interweaving of parts that is difficult to follow [an intricate maze ]; INVOLVED, in this connection, is applied to situations, ideas, etc. whose parts are thought of as intertwining in complicated, often disordered, fashion [an involved argument ] -ANT. SIMPLE