compose: Meaning and Definition of

com•pose

1. to make or form by combining things, parts, or elements: He composed his speech from many research notes.
2. to be or constitute a part or element of: a rich sauce composed of many ingredients.
3. to make up or form the basis of: Style composes the essence of good writing.
4. to put or dispose in proper form or order: to compose laws into a coherent system.
5. to organize the parts or elements of (a picture or the like).
6. to create (a musical, literary, or choreographic work).
7. to end or settle (a quarrel, dispute, etc.): The union and management composed their differences.
8. to bring (oneself, one's mind, etc.) to a condition of calmness, repose, etc.; calm; quiet.
1. to set (type).
2. to set type for (an article, book, etc.).

1. to engage in composition, esp. musical composition.
2. to enter into composition; fall into an arrangement: a scene that composes well.