Complexed

/ˈkɒmplɛkst/ adjective

Definition

Troubled by or self-conscious about something; or in chemistry, combined into a complex compound.

Etymology

From complex (Latin complexus, 'intertwined') + -ed suffix. Originally referred to psychological states; later used in chemistry as past participle of 'complex' as a verb.

Kelly Says

If someone says 'don't be complexed about it,' they're using the older psychological meaning, but chemists would say water is 'complexed' by metal ions constantly—it's a word that means very different things in different fields!

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