complexion (komplekshon)

also complect i on; constitutional or tendency; II. n.; pl. completories (-riz). Same as complin . complex (kom'pleks), a . [=F. complexe = Sp. Bgcompletomplex, Pg. complexo , complex, = comp comp les so , It. comple o , fleshy, strong, powerful, plecti , complect i , act. complect ere , complect ere , entwine, encircle, compa , infold, com- , togeine, encirc ther, + plectere , weave, braid; ef. LL. complex , fledged; and then it is the complexion of them all to leave ther, adj., connected with, confederate (> ult. E. complice), Ideas thus made up [of several simple ones] I call com plex , such as beauty, gratitude, a man, the universe. Locke , Human Understanding, ii. 12. In complex apprehension is of one object, or of several without any relation being perceived between them, as of 'a man,' 'a horse,' 'cards'; complex is of several with such a relation, as of 'a man on horseback,' 'a pack of cards.' Whately, Logic, II. i. § 1. When analysis succeeds in reducing a complex fact to its component factors, sensible or extra-sensible, there is indeed an enlargement of knowledge. G. II . Lewes , Probs. of Life and Mind, II. iv. § 9. 2. Involved; intricate; complicated; perplexing. Many cases are on record showing how complex and unexpected are the checks and relations between organic Darwin , Origin of Species, p. 77. beings. The universe is a very complex mixture of different substances. Mivart, Nature and Thought, p. 200. Complex ens, fraction, etc. See the nouns. -- Complex notion or term, in logic , one in which different marks or attributes can be distinguished. - Complex number. (a) An expre ion of the form x + iy , where i = - 1. (b) In the theory of numbers, any expre ion in the form ai + bj +, etc., where a , b , etc., are integers, and i , j , etc., are peculiar units. Complex question, in logic , one which asks whether an object po e es a character, and not merely whether an object of a simple term exists. Complex sentence, a sentence which contains one or more cipal dependent clause. or subordinate Complex shear. clauses in See addition shear. to Complex the ex syllogism. Same as chain - syllogism. - Complex truth, truth as it exists in the mind, distinguished from transcendental truth or reality. - Complex variable, a variable of the form z + ty, where i is a unit such that 1. =Syn. Complicated , etc. See intricate .