Complex, sb., [ad L. complexus, surrounding, encircling, encompassing, embrace, compass, connexion in discourse, from ppl. stem of complectere, see next.]
1. A whole comprehending in its compass a number of parts, esp. (in later use) interconnected parts or involved particulars.
Complex, a. [a mod. F. complexe, or ad. its source, L. compexus. p. ppl. of complectere, to encompass, embrace, comprehend, comprise; hence perhaps originally 'embracing or comprehending several elements', but in course of Eng. use tending to its analytical sense Ôplaited together, interwovenÕ; fr. com- together + plexus plaited, cf. complicated.]
1. Consisting of or comprehending various parts united or connected together; formed by combination of different elements; composite, composed. Said of things, ideas., etc. (Opposed to simple, both here and in sense 2.)
1879 Sir G. Scott Lect. Archit. A complex pillar composed of four shafts united to one.
2. Consisting of parts of elements not simply co-ordinated, but some of them involved in various degrees of subordination; complicated, involved, intricate; not easily analyzed or disentangled.
1805 Southey Madoc in Aut. xxi As they weave The complex crossings of the mazy dance.
Complex, v. rare.