complement

Definition

The totality, the full amount or number which completes something.

Etymology

From Middle English complement, from Latin complēmentum (“that which fills up or completes”), from compleō (“I fill up, I complete”) (English complete). Doublet of compliment. The verb is from the noun.

Example Sentences

• "Queequeg sought a passage to Christian lands. But the ship, having her full complement of seamen, spurned his suit; and not all the King his father's influence could prevail."
• "Some 11 members of Somerton council's complement of 15 stepped down on Tuesday."
• "History is the complement of poetry."

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