compile
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
v.to collect information, facts, or items from different places and put them together into a list, book, or report.
v.to produce a work by assembling information or materials from various sources. Transitive — requires a direct object such as a list, report, or database.
Simple“The researchers had to compile a list of all the plants found in the forest.”
In context“The department spent several months compiling a comprehensive database of historical records to support the new policy initiative.”
UsageCommonly used with objects like 'data', 'list', 'report', or 'statistics'.
- 02 C1 Advanced
v.to use a special computer program to turn instructions written by a person into a form the computer can run.
v.to convert source code written in a high-level programming language into machine code or an executable format using a compiler.
Simple“It took a few minutes for the computer to compile the new software.”
In context“The developer was frustrated because the script failed to compile due to a minor syntax error in the header file.”
UsageCan be used transitively (to compile code) or intransitively (the code compiles).
- 03 C2 Proficiency
n.the process of a computer turning code into a working program.
n.the execution of a compilation process in software development.
Simple“The latest compile was successful and the app is now ready to test.”
In context“After optimizing the source files, the total time required for a full compile was reduced by thirty percent.”
From Middle English compilen, from Old French compiler, from Latin compīlō (“to plunder”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.