component

noun

com·po·nent | \ kəm-ˈpō-nənt

, ˈkäm-ˌpō-, käm-ˈpō-\

Definition of component

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : a constituent part : ingredient an important component of the program stereo components

2a : 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

component

adjective

Definition of component (Entry 2 of 2)

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

Other Words from component Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about component

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Synonyms & Antonyms for component

Synonyms: Noun

building block, constituent, element, factor, ingredient, member

Antonyms: Noun

whole

Choose the Right Synonym for component

Noun

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

Helping conceptualize the immersive-theater component is creative director Connie Harrison, who promises excitement from the moment guests step off the airplane. — Steff Yotka, Vogue, "Forget Paris Fashion Week, H&M Is Changing Direction With an Immersive Theater Project in Sedona, Arizona," 31 Jan. 2019 Microsoft’s tinkering with core system components have recently caused other headaches with software that sinks deep hooks into your operating system. — Brad Chacos, PCWorld, "The latest Windows patch is breaking even more PCs with antivirus installed," 19 Apr. 2019 Also, don't touch the high voltage components or open up the battery. — David Grossman, Popular Mechanics, "What To Do When Your Electric Car's on Fire," 12 Apr. 2019 Whenever possible, seek out products with fewer components and without parts or materials that can’t be recycled (aim for codes 1 and 2) and unnecessary elements like outer boxes. — Good Housekeeping, "The Real Meaning of Clean Beauty, According to Scientists," 11 Apr. 2019 Another option is to break the move into its two separate components and perform them as standalone exercises. — Jenny Mccoy, SELF, "Work Your Entire Core With This Stability Ball Exercise From Celebrity Trainer Astrid Swan," 10 Apr. 2019 Getty ImagesNBC That said, Michael’s second season midlife (well, mid-afterlife) crisis was a great gateway through which to explore components of existentialism (while simultaneously advancing the plot). — Anne T. Donahue, Marie Claire, "How Accurate Is The Good Place's Philosophy?," 31 Jan. 2019 This is one serious piece of engineering: The designers went back to basics and reimagined nearly every component and mechanism of an umbrella. — Ann Lien, House Beautiful, "Here's the Last Umbrella You'll Ever Buy," 4 Apr. 2019 Roos is driving through those legs, the strength component here. — Nicole Saunders, Harper's BAZAAR, "How to Work Out Like a Victoria's Secret Model at the Gym," 11 Feb. 2019

Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective

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, "Slovenia voted on Sunday. Is an anti-immigrant government on the way?," 5 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'component.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.