complement > define

A word or phrase used to complete a grammatical construction.
A complete number or quantity.
- usage: "a full complement"
Number needed to make up a whole force.
- usage: "a full complement of workers"
- synonyms: full complement
Something added to complete or embellish or make perfect.
- usage: "a fine wine is a perfect complement to the dinner"; "wild rice was served as an accompaniment to the main dish"
- synonyms: accompaniment
One of a series of enzymes in the blood serum that are part of the immune response.
Either of two parts that mutually complete each other.

Make complete or perfect; supply what is wanting or form the complement to.
- usage: "I need some pepper to complement the sweet touch in the soup"

(v.t.) To supply a lack; to supplement.
(v.t.) The whole working force of a vessel.
(v.t.) Something added for ornamentation; an accessory.
(v.t.) To compliment.
(v.t.) A second quantity added to a given quantity to make it equal to a third given quantity.
(v.t.) A compliment.
(v.t.) Full quantity, number or amount; a complete set; completeness.
(v.t.) The interval wanting to complete the octave; -- the fourth is the complement of the fifth, the sixth of the third.
(v.t.) That which fills up or completes; the quantity or number required to fill a thing or make it complete.
(v.t.) That which is required to supply a deficiency or to complete a symmetrical whole.

by Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary