coordinate

 
(also co-ordinate)

verb

Pronunciation: /kəʊˈɔːdɪneɪt/
[with object]
  • 1bring the different elements of (a complex activity or organization) into a harmonious or efficient relationship: he had responsibility for coordinating London’s transport services
  • [no object] negotiate with others in order to work together effectively: you will coordinate with consultants and other departments on a variety of projects
  • [no object] match or harmonize attractively: the stud fastenings are coloured to coordinate with the shirt (as adjective coordinating) a variety of coordinating colours
  • 2 Chemistry form a coordinate bond to (an atom or molecule): the sodium atom is coordinated to two oxygen atoms

adjective

Pronunciation: /kəʊˈɔːdɪnət/
  • 1equal in rank or importance: cross references in the catalogue link subjects which may be coordinate
  • Grammar (of parts of a compound sentence) equal in rank and fulfilling identical functions.
  • 2 Chemistry denoting a type of covalent bond in which one atom provides both the shared electrons.

noun

Pronunciation: /kəʊˈɔːdɪnət/
  • 1each of a group of numbers used to indicate the position of a point, line, or plane.
  • 2 (coordinates) matching items of clothing: matching accessories provide a complete ensemble of colour coordinates

Derivatives

coordinative

Pronunciation: /-nətɪv/
adjective

coordinator

Pronunciation: /-neɪtə/
noun

Origin:

mid 17th century (in the senses 'of the same rank' and 'place in the same rank'): from co- 'together' + Latin ordinare (from ordo 'order'), on the pattern of subordinate

Spelling help

Remember that coordinate and its related words (such as coordination) may also be spelled with a hyphen: co-ordinate, co-ordination.