component

1 of 2

noun

com·​po·​nent kəm-ˈpō-nənt How to pronounce component (audio)
ˈkäm-ˌpō-,
käm-ˈpō-
1
: a constituent part : ingredient
an important component of the program
stereo components
2
a
: any one of the vector terms added to form a vector sum or resultant
b
: a coordinate of a vector
also : either member of an ordered pair of numbers
componential adjective

component

2 of 2

adjective

1
: serving or helping to constitute : constituent
component parts
2
of a video signal : split into multiple channels each carrying one particular set of data (such as one channel for black and white and one for color)
component input
compare composite entry 1 sense 4
Choose the Right Synonym for component

element, component, constituent, ingredient mean one of the parts of a compound or complex whole.

element applies to any such part and often connotes irreducible simplicity.

the basic elements of geometry

component and constituent may designate any of the substances (whether elements or compounds) or the qualities that enter into the makeup of a complex product; component stresses its separate entity or distinguishable character.

the components of a stereo system

constituent stresses its essential and formative character.

the constituents of a chemical compound

ingredient applies to any of the substances which when combined form a particular mixture.

the ingredients of a cocktail

Examples of component in a Sentence

Noun the components of an electric circuit He sells spare computer components. The interview is a key component in the hiring process. Hard work has been a major component of his success. Adjective the component parts of a machine
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
And if your trip entails any kind of outdoor component, make sure that your pet is up to date on their vaccinations and their flea and tick preventive treatments. Alexandra Domrongchai, Travel + Leisure, 4 Mar. 2024 The condition has a genetic component and often runs in families. Amanda Gardner, Health, 4 Mar. 2024 Surveillance footage showed Ford using a lighter to ignite electrical components below the bus’ dashboard as the vehicle was stopped, according to the information filed in court. Julia Marnin, Sacramento Bee, 4 Mar. 2024 Third, updating or adapting existing UI components to meet new standards or accommodate emerging trends becomes a cumbersome process. Ilya Gandzeichuk, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024 In the background of the small farming cottage in which the unit was based whirred a 3D printer, churning out components for drones. Nick Paton Walsh, CNN, 29 Feb. 2024 When closed, these folding glass panels still offer a visual connection to the outdoors, but when opened, an interior living space–such as a kitchen, dining room, or living room–expands to visually and physically include an outdoor component. Kristina McGuirk, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Feb. 2024 Apple is now warning customers that placing their iPhones into a bowl or bag of rice might actually slow down the drying process and damage their phone's internal components. Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, Fox News, 29 Feb. 2024 In between, the bodywork swoops and swirls, forming a slender fuel tank, narrow waist and even radiator shrouds that incorporate down-force winglets, all blended together into an almost beetle-like body structure that houses the engine, frame and suspension components. William Roberson, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2024
Adjective
And as Golosio and his team knew, an ANN designed around a multi-component working memory model could be a powerful tool for processing and creating human-like communication. Ben Thomas, Discover Magazine, 12 Nov. 2015 Perceptual convergence of multi-component mixtures in olfaction implies an olfactory white. Ed Yong, Discover Magazine, 20 Nov. 2012 The layout by Oakland design studio Open Daily is clean; even more complicated recipes, like Henry Hsu’s multi-component cornerstone rice cakes, are easy to follow. Soleil Ho, SFChronicle.com, 9 Nov. 2020 By the '70s, motorists could buy component parts to convert older models into unique classics. Dalvin Brown, USA TODAY, 21 Oct. 2019 Once Cerar stepped down as prime minister earlier this year and the squabbling of coalition partners disappeared from the headlines, his image as a decent and component prime minister returned. Tim Haughton, Washington Post, 5 June 2018

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'component.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun and Adjective

Latin component-, componens, present participle of componere to put together — more at compound

First Known Use

Noun

1645, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1664, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of component was in 1645

Dictionary Entries Near component

Cite this Entry

“Component.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/component. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

component

1 of 2 noun
com·​po·​nent kəm-ˈpō-nənt How to pronounce component (audio)
käm-;
ˈkäm-ˌpō-nənt
: a part or element of something
components of an electric circuit
components of a meal

component

2 of 2 adjective
: being or forming a part : constituent

Medical Definition

component

noun
: a constituent part
the exocrine and endocrine components of the pancreas

More from Merriam-Webster on component

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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