complement Meaning, Definition & Usage

noun a word or phrase used to complete a grammatical construction
noun a complete number or quantity
- a full complement
noun number needed to make up a whole force
full complement.
- a full complement of workers
noun something added to complete or embellish or make perfect
accompaniment.
- a fine wine is a perfect complement to the dinner
- wild rice was served as an accompaniment to the main dish
noun one of a series of enzymes in the blood serum that are part of the immune response
noun either of two parts that mutually complete each other
verb make complete or perfect; supply what is wanting or form the complement to
- I need some pepper to complement the sweet touch in the soup

L. complementun: cf. F. complément. See Complete, v. t., and cf. Compliment.

That which fills up or completes; the quantity or number required to fill a thing or make it complete.
That which is required to supply a deficiency, or to complete a symmetrical whole.
History is the complement of poetry. Sir J. Stephen.
Full quantity, number, or amount; a complete set; completeness.
To exceed his complement and number appointed him which was one hundred and twenty persons. Hakluyt.
(Math.) A second quantity added to a given quantity to make equal to a third given quantity.
Something added for ornamentation; an accessory. Obs.
Without vain art or curious complements. Spenser.
(Naut.) The whole working force of a vessel.
(Mus.) The interval wanting to complete the octave; -- the fourth is the complement of the fifth, the sixth of the third.
A compliment. Obs. Shak.