An integer c is called composite if it is not prime (or 1 or -1). It may be written c=ab, with non-trivial a and b (they're both not 1 or -1). In other words, it has divisors other than 1 and itself.

Com*pos"ite , and cf. Compost.]

1.

Made up of distinct parts or elements; compounded; as, a composite language.

Happiness, like air and water . . . is composite. Landor.

2. Arch.

Belonging to a certain order which is composed of the Ionic order grafted upon the Corinthian. It is called also the Roman or the Italic order, and is one of the five orders recognized by the Italian writers of the sixteenth century. See Capital.

3. Bot.

Belonging to the order Compositae; bearing involucrate heads of many small florets, as the daisy, thistle, and dandelion.

Composite carriage, a railroad car having compartments of different classes. [Eng.] -- Composite number Math., one which can be divided exactly by a number exceeding unity, as 6 by 2 or 3.<-- the opposite of prime number -->. -- Composite photograph or; portrait, one made by a combination, or blending, of several distinct photographs. F. Galton. -- Composite sailing Naut., a combination of parallel and great circle sailing. -- Composite ship, one with a wooden casing and iron frame.

 

© Webster 1913.


Com*pos"ite

That which is made up of parts or compounded of several elements; composition; combination; compound.

[R.]

 

© Webster 1913.

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