Defn: Possessing peculiarities that are characteristic of several diverse groups.
Note: The term is applied chiefly to early fossil groups which have a combination of structures that appear in more fully developed or specialized forms in later groups. Synthetic, as used by Agssiz, is nearly synonymous.
Syn.
— Extensive; wide; large; full; compendious.
COMPREHENSIVELY
Com`pre*hen"sive*ly, adv.
Defn: In a comprehensive manner; with great extent of scope.
COMPREHENSIVENESS
Com`pre*hen"sive*ness, n.
Defn: The quality of being comprehensive; extensiveness of scope.
Compare the beauty and comprehensiveness of legends on ancient coins.
Addison.
COMPREHENSOR
Com`pre*hen"sor, n.
Defn: One who comprehends; one who has attained to a full knowledge. [Obs.] When I shall have dispatched this weary pilgrimage, and from a traveler shall come to be a comprehensor, farewell faith and welcome vision. Bp. Hall.
COMPRESS
Com*press", v. t. [imp. & p. p. Compressed; p. pr & vb. n.
Compressing.] Etym: [L. compressus, p. p. of comprimere to compress:
com- + premere to press. See Press.]