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
Keep in Mind This appliance is not kid-friendly because the component parts get very hot. Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Mar. 2024 Choline is an important component for the neurodevelopment of the baby. Casey Seiden, Parents, 15 Mar. 2024 Dropping bombs day after day across enemy lines has a difficult human component to it that’s undeniable. Brian Davids, The Hollywood Reporter, 15 Mar. 2024 Indonesia is also courting Tesla to set up a base in the country, which holds vast reserves of nickel, a component used in some EV batteries. Lionel Lim, Fortune Asia, 13 Mar. 2024 There are two components to this dish: the collars and Owens’ wing glaze. Caron Golden, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Mar. 2024 If the kidneys, which process urine, do not properly develop, the amount of amniotic fluid surrounding the fetus will be low, since urine is a component of the fluid. Jessica Van Egeren, Journal Sentinel, 13 Mar. 2024 The province of Parma is a contender, being a center for production of Parmesan cheese, which is a key component in the dish. Yotam Ottolenghi, New York Times, 13 Mar. 2024 Brakes are a must-have component of any rollator, especially if the user is unstable on their feet, so don’t neglect this safety feature. Sarah Bradley, Verywell Health, 12 Mar. 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 28 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

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