component

1 of 2

noun

com·​po·​nent kəm-ˈpō-nənt 

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

ˌkäm-pə-ˈnen(t)-shəl 

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

Synonyms

Noun

• building block
• constituent
• element
• factor
• ingredient
• member

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

Too often, messaging is often built around internal assumptions, which leads to highlighting the wrong components in messaging, or generic claims that fail to differentiate the product meaningfully. —Rebecca Shaddix, Forbes, 28 Oct. 2024

The latest: Israel's retaliatory strike against Iran took out a critical component in Iran's ballistic missile program, Israeli sources tell Axios' Barak Ravid. —Mike Allen, Axios, 27 Oct. 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

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

Phrases Containing component

• sub-component

Kids Definition

component

1 of 2 noun

com·​po·​nent kəm-ˈpō-nənt 

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

com·​po·​nent kəm-ˈpō-nənt, ˈkäm-ˌ, käm-ˈ 

: a constituent part

the exocrine and endocrine components of the pancreas