Definition: Two or more words (such as part-time or high-speed) that act as a single idea to modify a noun (a part-time employee, a high-speed chase). Also called phrasal adjective or compound modifier. As a general rule, the words in a compound adjective are hyphenated when they come before a noun (a well-known actor) but not when they come after (The actor is well known). Also, compound adjectives formed with an adverb ending in-ly (such as rapidly changing) are usually not hyphenated.
Life on a Mediaeval Barony William Stearns Davis. ordinarily it is a mass of moving light and shade, of color. Journeys Through Bookland, Vol. 10 Charles Herbert Sylvester. ordinarily I would have laughed, hot ashes on the father and hot coals under the son, but now I sighed deeply.
Word of the Day. allowing or characterized by latitude in opinion or conduct, especially in religious views. a person who is latitudinarian in opinion or conduct. Anglican Church. one of the churchmen in the 17th century who maintained the wisdom of the episcopal form of government and ritual but denied its divine origin and authority. It was a Theism broad and simple enough to include everything and signify nothing.