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consist

con·sist [ kən síst ] (past and past participle con·sist·ed, present participle con·sist·ing, 3rd person present singular con·sists)


intransitive verb 
Definition:
 
1. be made up of something: to be made up of diverse parts
This dressing consists of oil, lemon juice, and mustard.

2. be based on something: to be based on or defined by something
Her talent consists in her superb musicianship.

[Early 16th century. < Latin consistere< sistere "make stand" < stare "to stand"]

Word Usage

See comprise.

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