Definition:
“in grammar, a sentence that contains a main part and one or more other parts”
Cambridge Dictionary. Dictionary Cambridge, dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/complex-sentence. Accessed 26 Aug. 2022.
Informal Definition:
A complex sentence is made up of a dependent phrase that relies on an independent phrase.
Example: When the water starts to boil, take it off the stove.
[The dependent and independent clauses are separated by a comma]
Etymology
“1650s, ‘composed of interconnected parts, formed by a combination of simple things or elements,’ from French complexe ‘complicated, complex, intricate’ (17c.), from Latin complexus ‘surrounding, encompassing,’ past participle of complecti ‘to encircle, embrace,’ in transferred use, ‘to hold fast, master, comprehend,’ from com ‘with, together’ (see com-) + plectere ‘to weave, braid, twine, entwine,’ from PIE *plek-to-, suffixed form of root *plek- ‘to plait.’ ”
Harper, Douglas. "Etymology of complex." Online Etymology Dictionary,
https://www.etymonline.com/word/complex. Accessed 29 August, 2022.
Claire Pankros