Compounds
Compounds are sequences composed of two or more words which include the entry headword as a component. Compounds of which the headword is the main (or first) element are listed in the entry at that headword and not as separate entries. In addition, a hyperlinked list of compounds appears to the right of the main entry.
In most cases compounds have their own definition, but this may be replaced by a cross-reference or by reference to a particular quotation (see kanalahwerk).
Types of compounds: combinations and collocations
Compounds are categorised as either combinations or collocations
Combinations are two or more words that are used together in a more-or-less fixed way and have developed their own meaning. They can be spelt as one word or separately, e.g. 'bushfire', 'cattle-boer' or 'border area'. The classification Special Combination(s) is used to designate words which have a more established fixed meaning.
Collocations are words which are habitually found in co-occurrence, e.g. ‘Greek café’, ‘ou seun’ or ‘ritual killing’. The designation of special collocation suggests that the co-occurrence is more widely recognised than those words designated collocation.
Position of compounds
Both combinations and collocations may be given as a separate subdivision or appended to the definition.
When there are few supporting quotations, compounds generally run on from the definition block. Presented as a separate block, compounds are ordered alphabetically and followed by a set of quotations.
In particularly lengthy lists of compounds, a division into sub-senses assists in differentiating groups such as the division into flora and fauna (see for example the entry for wild).