Bandwagon

Something I have learned this year is not to fall into the trap of writing what everyone else is.  My case and point for this is the word ‘compound.’ 

We have recently heard that word  a lot in the past couple of weeks, because it is what the house Osama bin Laden had retreated to has been called in the media.

But what does it mean?

According to Dictionary.com

–adjective

1.

composed of two or more parts, elements, or ingredients: Soap is a compound substance.

2.

having or involving two or more actions or functions: The mouth is a compound organ.

3.

Grammar . of or pertaining to a compound sentence or compound-complex sentence.

Now, I’m not positive on this, but is his compound composed of two or more elements?  It certainly is not a grammar rule.  It could technically have two more functions but… what is it?

So, what is Osama bin Laden’s compound?  And for that matter, what are the airstrikes against Gaddafi’s compound hitting (or missing)? 

When writing an article it is important to keep in mind what the articles that have been written before it.  Research is top priority.  What is a compound?  Chances are if the writer cannot answer it, neither can the reader.