conjugate

/ˈkɑndʒəˌɡeɪt/
verb
  1. To give the different forms of a verb according to person, number, tense, etc.
    • In Spanish class, we learned how to conjugate regular -ar verbs.
    • She can conjugate the verb 'to be' in all its tenses without any mistakes.
    • The app helps you conjugate French verbs quickly and easily.
  2. To join together or combine, especially in a paired or complementary way.
    • During the experiment, the molecules conjugated with each other under heat.
    • The two chemicals conjugate to form a stable compound.
    • In bacteria, two cells can conjugate to exchange genetic material.
noun
  1. A word or form that is derived from the same root as another.
    • The teacher asked us to list all the conjugates of the verb 'to go'.
    • 'Run' and 'ran' are conjugates of the same verb.
    • In the dictionary, conjugates are often listed together under the base verb.
  2. In mathematics, a number or expression that is related to another by a specific operation, such as changing the sign of the imaginary part of a complex number.
    • To simplify the fraction, multiply the numerator and denominator by the conjugate of the denominator.
    • The complex conjugate of 3 + 4i is 3 - 4i.
    • Finding the conjugate of a complex number is a common step in solving equations.
adjective
  1. Joined together, especially in a pair or complementary relationship.
    • The conjugate angles in the diagram add up to 90 degrees.
    • The two conjugate points on the lens are directly opposite each other.
    • In mathematics, a conjugate pair of complex numbers has the same real part.
What does "conjugate" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean