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   Com·ple·ment

   noun

   • 1. a thing that completes or brings to perfection: "the libretto proved a perfect complement to the music" Similar accompanimentcompanionadditionsupplementaccessoryadjuncttrimmingfinishing touchfinal touchOpposite contrast
   • 2. a number or quantity of something, especially that required to make a group complete: "at the moment we have a full complement of staff" Similar amounttotalaggregatecontingentcompanycapacityallowancequota
   • ▪ the number of people required to crew a ship: "almost half the ship's complement of 322 were wounded"
   • ▪ the amount in degrees by which a given angle is less than 90°.
   • ▪ the members of a set that are not members of a given subset.
   • 3. one or more words, phrases, or clauses governed by a verb (or by a nominalization or a predicative adjective) that complete the meaning of the predicate.
   • ▪ (in systemic grammar) an adjective or noun that has the same reference as either the subject (as mad in he is mad) or the object (as mad in he drove her mad).
   • 4. a group of proteins present in blood plasma and tissue fluid which combine with an antigen–antibody complex to bring about the lysis of foreign cells.

   verb

   • 1. add to (something) in a way that enhances or improves it; make perfect: "a classic blazer complements a look that's stylish or casual"
   • ▪ add to or make complete: "the proposals complement the incentives already available"

   Word Origin late Middle English (in the sense ‘completion’): from Latin complementum, from complere ‘fill up’ (see complete). Compare with compliment.

   Derivatives

   • 1. complemental adjective

   Scrabble Points: 18

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