Koostuma

Koostuma is an Estonian verb meaning to be formed of or to consist of. It is used to describe the make-up or composition of objects, substances, groups, and systems. The focus is on what parts or elements make up the whole, rather than on the process of putting them together.

Etymology and related forms: The word is built from the stem koos- meaning together and the verbal suffix -tuma, indicating a process of becoming or forming. The noun koostumus denotes the composition or make-up itself. Related verbs include koostama, which conveys the idea of assembling or composing more actively.

Usage and grammar: Koostuma is used to express what something is made up from. In common descriptive language, the components are listed or described to convey the overall makeup. In many contexts, Estonian uses the genitive or partitive forms for the components to indicate their relationship to the whole. For example, a product may be described as consisting of several materials or components.

Contexts: The verb appears in scientific, technical, and everyday descriptive writing when explaining material composition, organizational make-up, or structural features. It contrasts with verbs that emphasize action or assembly, such as koostama, which implies putting parts together, rather than merely existing as a combination.

Translations and nuances: In English, kohe roughly corresponds to “consist of” or “be made up of.” The noun koostis (composition or ingredients) and koostoime (interaction) reflect related concepts, underscoring that koostuma deals with the makeup rather than the act of assembly.

Examples: See see koostub kolmest osast. Toode koostub metallist, plastikust ja kummist.