Pronunciation: [kəmpˈɛnd] (IPA) 
The word "compend" is often misspelled due to its uncommon usage. It is pronounced /ˈkɒmpɛnd/ or KOM-pend. The IPA phonetic transcription reveals that it starts with the "k" sound, followed by the "aw" vowel sound, which transitions into the "m" sound, and ends with the "p" and "end" cluster. It is important to note that "compend" is not to be confused with "compendium," another commonly used word with a similar meaning.
A compend is a concise and comprehensive compilation or summary of information, often organized in a systematic manner for quick and easy reference. It is a tool used to condense and present a broad range of knowledge or facts in a convenient and accessible format.
Typically, a compend includes various topics or subjects, each accompanied by brief explanations or descriptions to provide readers with essential information. This compilation can cover a wide spectrum of disciplines, such as medicine, literature, history, science, or any other domain of knowledge. It serves as a valuable resource for scholars, researchers, students, or anyone seeking a consolidated and reliable source of information.
A compend is designed to be user-friendly, allowing individuals to navigate through its content easily. Entries are typically organized in alphabetical or thematic order, enabling readers to locate specific information quickly. The succinct nature of a compend ensures that it encompasses vital details without overwhelming the reader with excessive or superfluous material.
Compend can also refer to an abridged or abbreviated text that summarizes a larger work or collection. In this context, it is used to provide an outline or overview of a more extensive body of knowledge.
In summary, a compend is a concise and inclusive collection of information, offering a convenient and comprehensive reference source for individuals in search of condensed knowledge in a particular field or discipline.
An abridgment; a summary; a book containing the substance of a larger work.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "compend" is derived from the Latin term "compendium", which can be broken down into two parts: "com-", meaning "together", and "pendere", meaning "to weigh" or "to hang". In Latin, "compendium" referred to a concise collection of information or a summary. Over time, "compendium" evolved into the Old French word "compendie", before ultimately becoming "compend" in Middle English. The term still retains its basic meaning of a condensed or concise collection of information or knowledge.
