Com"plex (kŏm"plĕks),
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.
Ideas thus made up of several simple ones put
together, I call complex; such as beauty, gratitude, a
man, an army, the universe.
Locke.
2. Involving many parts; complicated;
intricate.
When the actual motions of the heavens are
calculated in the best possible way, the process is difficult and
complex.
Whewell.
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.
Com"plex, n. [L. complexus]
Assemblage of related things; collection;
complication.
This parable of the wedding supper comprehends in
it the whole complex of all the blessings and privileges
exhibited by the gospel.
South.
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.