conglomerate

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Definition of conglomerate

noun

Pronunciation: /kənˈglɒm(ə)rət/

1a thing consisting of a number of different and distinct parts or items that are grouped together:the Earth is a specialized conglomerate of organisms
a large corporation formed by the merging of separate and diverse firms:a media conglomerate

2 [mass noun] Geology a coarse-grained sedimentary rock composed of rounded fragments embedded in a matrix of cementing material such as silica:the sediments vary from coarse conglomerate to fine silt and clay

adjective

Pronunciation: /kənˈglɒm(ə)rət/

relating to a conglomerate, especially a large corporation:conglomerate firms

verb

Pronunciation: /kənˈglɒməreɪt/

[no object]

gather together into a compact mass:atoms which conglomerate at the centre
form a conglomerate by merging diverse firms: the urge to conglomerate has long been out of fashion in American boardrooms

Origin:

late Middle English (as an adjective describing something gathered up into a rounded mass): from Latin conglomeratus, past participle of conglomerare, from con- 'together' + glomus, glomer- 'ball'. The geological sense dates from the early 19th century; the other noun senses are later

conglomerate in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of conglomerate in the US English dictionary

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conglomerate

noun

adjective

verb

Origin:

conglomerate in other Oxford dictionaries

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