When are compound nouns an adjective with a noun?

[Tagarbo]

When is a compound noun (such as "plastic surgery") really a noun with an adjective? Or is the phrase "wedding ring" both a compound noun AND a noun with an adjective?

[Mister Micawber]

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A compound noun is always a noun functioning as an adjective plus a noun functioning as a noun.
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Native English teacher at Mister Micawber's

[Esgogar]

Regarding compound nouns such as job-seeking, is there any rule of how to compound these nouns? They are usually comprised of a noun and an adjective, but also many of these are even three word nouns.

Thanks in advance,

Esteban