Plain English Meaning

Materials built by mixing strong fibers with a glue-like resin so the finished part is lighter and stronger than either ingredient on its own.

Full Definition

Engineered materials made by combining two or more distinct substances — typically a reinforcing fiber (such as fiberglass, carbon fiber, or aramid) bonded together by a matrix (usually a plastic resin like epoxy) — that together produce a finished material with properties superior to either component alone, most notably high strength combined with low weight.

Context Anchor

Seen in discussions of aircraft structure, especially wings, fuselages, fairings, and other parts made with modern composite construction.

Derivation

From Latin componere, 'to put together.' A is literally something made by combining parts. The meaning keeps that sense exactly: two materials put together to act as one.