combine

com|bine¹ W2S3 [kəmˈbaın] v

[Date: 1400-1500; : French; Origin: combiner, from Late Latin combinare, from Latin com- ( COM-) + bini 'two by two']

1.) [I and T]

if you combine two or more different things, or if they combine, they begin to exist or work together

→↑combination combine sth with sth

▪ Augustine was later to combine elements of this philosophy with the teachings of Christianity.

▪ Diets are most effective when combined with exercise.

combine to do sth

▪ A number of factors have combined to create this difficult situation.

▪ Ruth hesitated, uncertain of how to combine honesty and diplomacy in her answer.

combined effect/effects

(=the result of two or more different things used or mixed together)

▪ The combined effects of the war and the drought resulted in famine.

2.) [T]

to have two or more different features or qualities at the same time

→↑combination combine sth with/and sth

▪ Good carpet wool needs to combine softness with strength.

3.) [I and T]

if two or more different substances combine, or if you combine them, they mix or join together to produce a new single substance

→↑combination combine to do sth

▪ Different amino acids combine to form proteins.

▪ Combine all the ingredients in a large bowl.

combine sth with sth

▪ Steel is produced by combining iron with carbon.

4.) [T]

to do two different activities at the same time

combine sth with sth

▪ Many people enjoy combining a holiday with learning a new skill.

combine sth and sth

▪ the problems facing women who wish to combine a career and family

combine business with pleasure

(=work and enjoy yourself at the same time)

5.) [I and T]

if two or more groups, organizations etc combine, or if you combine them, they join or work together in order to do something

combine to do sth

▪ Ten British and French companies combined to form the Channel Tunnel Group.

▪ University zoologists and government vets are combining forces (=working together) to investigate the disease.

combine ²

com|bine² [ˈkɔmbaın US ˈka:m-] n

1.) also combine harvester

a machine used by farmers to cut grain, separate the seeds from it, and clean it

2.) a group of people, businesses etc who work together

▪ The factory was sold to a British combine after the war.