A short form of 'combination'; a grouping of things together, or in music, a small band or group playing together.
Shortened form of 'combination' in early 20th century American English, first used in jazz contexts to describe small groups of musicians, then applied broadly to any combination of things.
The abbreviation 'combo' is fascinating because it's not just shorthand—it shifted the meaning slightly to emphasize the group dynamic, so a 'jazz combo' feels more intimate and spontaneous than a 'jazz combination' ever could.
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