combination

[kom-buh-ney-shuh n] /ˌkɒm bəˈneɪ ʃən/
noun
1.
the act of combining or the state of being combined.
2.
a number of things combined:
a combination of ideas.
3.
something formed by combining:
A chord is a combination of notes.
4.
an alliance of persons or parties:
a combination in restraint of trade.
5.
the set or series of numbers or letters used in setting the mechanism of a combination lock.
6.
the parts of the mechanism operated by this.
7.
Often, combinations. a suit of underwear in one piece.
8.
Mathematics.
  1. the arrangement of elements into various groups without regard to their order in the group.
  2. a group thus formed.
    Compare permutation (def 1).
Origin
1350-1400; Middle English combinacyoun (< Middle French) < Late Latin combīnātiōn- (stem of combīnātiō), equivalent to combīnāt(us) combined (see combine, -ate1) + -iōn- -ion
Related forms
combinational, adjective
intercombination, noun
noncombination, noun
precombination, noun
supercombination, noun
uncombinational, adjective
Synonyms
1. association, conjunction, union, coalescence, blending. 2. mixture, amalgamation, amalgam. 4. association, federation, league, coalition, cartel, combine, monopoly, bloc, cabal, conspiracy.
Examples from the web for combinations
  • Backtracking attempts to try all the combinations in order to obtain a solution.
  • A selective list of words with other unusual initial letter combinations follows.
  • Unfortunately, none of the criteria listed above do so, not even in various combinations.
  • These combinations usually transition into more athletic moves known as power moves.
  • The potential for synergy is then unknown or estimated from data on similar combinations.
  • Thus, different combinations of properties and relations produce different objects.
British Dictionary definitions for combinations

combinations

/ˌkɒmbɪˈneɪʃənz/
plural noun
1.
(Brit) a one-piece woollen undergarment with long sleeves and legs Often shortened to combs, coms US and Canadian term union suit

combination

/ˌkɒmbɪˈneɪʃən/
noun
1.
the act of combining or state of being combined
2.
a union of separate parts, qualities, etc
3.
an alliance of people or parties; group having a common purpose
4.
  1. the set of numbers that opens a combination lock
  2. the mechanism of this type of lock
5.
(Brit) a motorcycle with a sidecar attached
6.
(maths)
  1. an arrangement of the numbers, terms, etc, of a set into specified groups without regard to order in the group: the combinations of a, b, and c, taken two at a time, are ab, bc, ac
  2. a group formed in this way. The number of combinations of n objects taken r at a time is n!/[(n – r)!r!]. Symbol: nCr Compare permutation (sense 1)
7.
the chemical reaction of two or more compounds, usually to form one other compound
8.
(chess) a tactical manoeuvre involving a sequence of moves and more than one piece
See also combinations
Derived Forms
combinational, adjective
Word Origin and History for combinations

combination

n.

late 14c., combinacyoun, from Old French combination (14c., Modern French combinaison), from Late Latin combinationem (nominative combinatio) "a joining two by two," noun of action from past participle stem of combinare (see combine (v.)).