What are compound words?

The correct answer defines compound words as those created by combining two or more words to create a new term that carries a specific meaning distinct from the individual components. This process enhances language by allowing for the creation of new meanings and concepts, facilitating clearer communication.

For example, the word "notebook" is formed from "note" and "book," merging their meanings into a single entity that conveys a particular object used for writing notes. The combination can offer nuances or specific references that are not present in the separate words alone, illustrating the richness of language through such constructions.

The other choices do not accurately capture the essence of compound words. Words that are opposites do not relate to the construction of compound words, single words with no additional meaning do not reflect the conjunction of meanings that occurs in compounds, and words formed by adding prefixes pertain to a different linguistic process that modifies existing words rather than creating new ones from combinations.