combination
1.
a. the set of numbers that opens a combination lock
b. the mechanism of this type of lock
2. Brit a motorcycle with a sidecar attached
3. Maths
a. an arrangement of the numbers, terms, etc., of a set into specified groups without regard to order in the group
b. a group formed in this way. The number of combinations of n objects taken r at a time is n!/[(n -- r)!r!]. Symbol: nCr
4. the chemical reaction of two or more compounds, usually to form one other compound
5. Chess a tactical manoeuvre involving a sequence of moves and more than one piece
Collins Discovery Encyclopedia, 1st edition © HarperCollins Publishers 2005
combination
[‚käm·bə′nā·shən] (mathematics)
A selection of one or more of the elements of a given set without regard to order.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of Scientific & Technical Terms, 6E, Copyright © 2003 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
combination
(mathematics)A set containing a certain number of
objects selected from another set.
The number of combinations of r objects chosen from a set of n is
n C r = n! / ((n-r)! r!)
where "n C r" is normally with n and r as subscripts or as n above r in parentheses.
See also permutation.
The number of combinations of r objects chosen from a set of n is
n C r = n! / ((n-r)! r!)
where "n C r" is normally with n and r as subscripts or as n above r in parentheses.
See also permutation.
combination
(reduction)In the theory of combinators, a combination
denotes an expression in which function application is the
only operation.
This article is provided by FOLDOC - Free Online Dictionary of Computing (foldoc.org)
The following article is from The Great Soviet Encyclopedia (1979). It might be outdated or ideologically biased.
Combination
(in Russian, kombinatsiia). (1) An interdependent union, connection, or arrangement of several objects or component parts (elements) of a single object.
(2) A set of procedures for carrying out a complex plan, such as a chess combination.
(3) A contrivance, trick, or subterfuge; a deliberate maneuver to achieve a mercenary or other improper goal (commercial combination; political combination).
(4) An item of women’s underclothing (a slip).
Combination
in mathematics. Combinations of n elements taken k at a time are sets that contain k of the n elements and that differ from each other in at least one element. The number of combinations of n elements, k at a time, is denoted by 
, C (n, k), or 
and is equal to n!/k!(n - k)! (seeCOMBINATORICS).
The Great Soviet Encyclopedia, 3rd Edition (1970-1979). © 2010 The Gale Group, Inc. All rights reserved.