\Com"plex\, a. [L. complexus, p. p. of complecti to
entwine around, comprise; com- + plectere to twist, akin to
plicare to fold. See {Plait}, n.]
1. Composed of two or more parts; composite; not simple; as,
   a complex being; a complex idea.
         Ideas thus made up of several simple ones put
         together, I call complex; such as beauty, gratitude,
         a man, an army, the universe.         --Locke.
2. Involving many parts; complicated; intricate.
         When the actual motions of the heavens are
         calculated in the best possible way, the process is
         difficult and complex.                --Whewell.
{Complex fraction}. See {Fraction}.
{Complex number} (Math.), in the theory of numbers, an
   expression of the form a + b[root]-1, when a and b are
   ordinary integers.
Syn: See {Intricate}.

\Com"plex\, n. [L. complexus]
Assemblage of related things; collection; complication.
      This parable of the wedding supper comprehends in it
      the whole complex of all the blessings and privileges
      exhibited by the gospel.                 --South.
{Complex of lines} (Geom.), all the possible straight lines
   in space being considered, the entire system of lines
   which satisfy a single relation constitute a complex; as,
   all the lines which meet a given curve make up a complex.
   The lines which satisfy two relations constitute a
   congruency of lines; as, the entire system of lines, each
   one of which meets two given surfaces, is a congruency.