complex

a. [ L. complexus, p. p. of complecti to entwine around, comprise; com- + plectere to twist, akin to plicare to fold. See Plait, n. ] 1. Composed of two or more parts; composite; not simple; as, a complex being; a complex idea. [ 1913 Webster ]

Ideas thus made up of several simple ones put together, I call complex; such as beauty, gratitude, a man, an army, the universe. Locke. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Involving many parts; complicated; intricate. [ 1913 Webster ]

When the actual motions of the heavens are calculated in the best possible way, the process is difficult and complex. Whewell. [ 1913 Webster ]

Complex fraction. See Fraction. --
Complex number (Math.), in the theory of numbers, an expression of the form a + b√-1, when a and b are ordinary integers.

Syn. -- See Intricate. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ L. complexus ] Assemblage of related things; collection; complication. [ 1913 Webster ]

This parable of the wedding supper comprehends in it the whole complex of all the blessings and privileges exhibited by the gospel. South. [ 1913 Webster ]

Complex of lines (Geom.), 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. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. Complex, complicated. [ Obs. ] “Complexed significations.” Sir T. Browne. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. The quality or state of being complex or involved; complication. [ 1913 Webster ]

The complexedness of these moral ideas. Locke. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ F. complexion, fr. L. complexio. See Complex, a. ] 1. The state of being complex; complexity. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

Though the terms of propositions may be complex, yet . . . it is properly called a simple syllogism, since the complexion does not belong to the syllogistic form of it. I. Watts. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. A combination; a complex. [ Archaic ] [ 1913 Webster ]

This paragraph is . . . a complexion of sophisms. Coleridge. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. The bodily constitution; the temperament; habitude, or natural disposition; character; nature. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

If his complexion incline him to melancholy. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]

It is the complexion of them all to leave the dam. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. The color or hue of the skin, esp. of the face. [ 1913 Webster ]

Tall was her stature, her complexion dark. Wordsworth. [ 1913 Webster ]

Between the pale complexion of true love,
And the red glow of scorn and proud disdain. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

5. The general appearance or aspect; as, the complexion of the sky; the complexion of the news. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. Of or pertaining to constitutional complexion. [ 1913 Webster ]

A moral rather than a complexional timidity. Burke. [ 1913 Webster ]

adv. Constitutionally. [ R. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

Though corruptible, not complexionally vicious. Burke. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. Pertaining to the complexion, or to the care of it. Jer. Taylor. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. Having (such) a complexion; -- used in composition; as, a dark-complexioned or a ruddy-complexioned person. [ 1913 Webster ]

A flower is the best-complexioned grass, as a pearl is the best-colored clay. Fuller. [ 1913 Webster ]