ˌkɔmpəˈzɪʃən n. 1 a
the act of putting
together;
formation or
construction. b
something so composed; a
mixture. c the
constitution of
such a mixture; the
nature of
its ingredients (the composition is
two parts
oil to
one part vinegar). 2 a a
literary or
musical work. b the act or art of producing such a work. c an
essay,
esp.
written by a
schoolchild. d an
artistic arrangement (of parts of a
picture, subjects
for a
photograph, etc.). 3
mental constitution;
character (jealousy is
not in
his composition). 4 (often attrib.) a compound
artificial substance, esp. one
serving the
purpose of a
natural one. 5
Printing the setting-up of
type. 6 Gram. the formation of words
into a compound
word. 7
Law a a
compromise, esp. a
legal agreement to pay a
sum in
lieu of a larger sum, or
other obligation (made a composition
with his creditors). b a sum
paid in
this way. 8
Math. the
combination of functions in a
series. øøcompositional adj. compositionally adv. [ME f.
OF, f. L compositio -onis (as COMPOSITE)]
