1. composed of parts that are themselves compound; having a complex structure made up of multiple compound elements
Usage: botanical and biological contexts

1. to separate or break down into component parts; to resolve a compound substance into its constituent elements
Usage: chemistry and technical contexts; rare in modern usage

Examples

• The decompound leaves of the fern were composed of smaller leaflets arranged in a complex pattern.
• In botanical classification, decompound structures are more intricate than simple compound ones.
• The chemist worked to decompound the mixture into its original elements.
• Decompound fronds are characteristic of certain fern species.
• The researcher attempted to decompound the complex organic molecule.
• A decompound leaf is divided more than once into smaller segments.