component

noun com·po·nent \ kəm-ˈpō-nənt , ˈkäm-ˌpō- , käm-ˈpō- \

Definition of component

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

play \ˌkäm-pə-ˈnen(t)-shəl\ adjective

See component defined for English-language learners

See component defined for kids

Examples of component in a Sentence

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.

Recent Examples of component from the Web

The supplier refused to provide the components when Hyundai delayed payment.

— youkyung lee, The Seattle Times, "Hyundai resumes production in China after supply disruption," 29 Aug. 2017
This characteristic, namely the ability to quickly acknowledge your error, is a key component for a CEO.

— neil senturia, sandiegouniontribune.com, "How do CEOs say 'I'm sorry'?," 28 Aug. 2017
There are components of Dodd-Frank that need to be reviewed as with any legislation.

— jane wooldridge, miamiherald, "Keeping BankUnited lean, nimble and focused on growth," 27 Aug. 2017
Scrap electronic components, including a large number of computer processor chips, circuit boards and other computer items, were stolen.

— michelle mullins, Naperville Sun, "Naperville News Digest," 25 Aug. 2017
The Promise was introduced about five years ago to ramp up the volunteer component.

— sheila vilvens, Cincinnati.com, "LEAD Clermont: developing, connecting leaders to service opportunities," 24 Aug. 2017
Components of the unique piece were made out of kimono fabric that was handsewn.

— lauren smith, House Beautiful, "This Bride Wore 5 Amazing Dresses to Her Wedding," 15 Aug. 2017
But the real magic for Glendale came in the playoffs, where Vartazarian was a crucial component in driving the Nitros to tying the furthest advancement for a girls’ program in school history.

— staff reports, Glendale News-Press, "Top 10 Girls’ Athletes of 2016-17: Schaefer was graceful, dominant for Flintridge Prep," 9 Aug. 2017
Later this month at Chicago's Beverly Arts Center, 2407 W. 111th St., a battle of the bands component has been added to the fourth annual Beverly Brews Fest from 7 to 10 p.m. Aug. 26.

— vickie snow jurkowski, Daily Southtown, "Get ready for Pink, Brian Setzer, Third Eye Blind," 3 Aug. 2017

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.

Origin and Etymology of component

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1645

See Words from the same year

component Synonyms

Synonyms

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

Antonyms

whole

Related Words

basis, part and parcel; detail, item, particular, point; aspect, characteristic, facet, feature, trait; division, fragment, particle, partition, piece, portion, section, sector, segment; subcomponent

Near Antonyms

aggregate, composite, compound, mass; entirety, sum, summation, total, totality; admixture, amalgam, amalgamation, blend, combination, intermixture, mix, mixture

Synonym Discussion of 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

component

adjective

Definition of component

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 ¹composite 4

See component defined for English-language learners

Examples of component in a Sentence

the component parts of a machine

Origin and Etymology of component

see ¹component

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1664

See Words from the same year

COMPONENT Defined for English Language Learners

component

noun

Definition of component for English Language Learners

: one of the parts of something (such as a system or mixture) : an important piece of something

component

adjective

Definition of component for English Language Learners

: helping to make up the whole of something (such as a system or a mixture) : forming or being a part of something

COMPONENT Defined for Kids

component

noun com·po·nent \ kəm-ˈpō-nənt \

Definition of component for Students

:one of the parts or units of a combination, mixture, or system

Medical Dictionary

component

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

medical Definition of component

:a constituent part

the exocrine and endocrine components of the pancreas

Learn More about component

See words that rhyme with component Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for component Spanish Central: Translation of component Nglish: Translation of component for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of component for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about component

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up component? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show

component

Definition of component

componential

Explore M-W

Examples of component in a Sentence

Recent Examples of component from the Web

Origin and Etymology of component

component Synonyms

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Words

Near Antonyms

Synonym Discussion of component

component

Definition of component

Examples of component in a Sentence

Origin and Etymology of component

COMPONENT Defined for English Language Learners

component

Definition of component for English Language Learners

component

Definition of component for English Language Learners

COMPONENT Defined for Kids

component

Definition of component for Students

Medical Dictionary

component

medical Definition of component

Learn More about component

Seen and Heard

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games

The Exceptions Quiz III

The Origins of 'Lobbyist'

Trending: McCain: Half-Baked, 'Spurious' Nationalism

17 English Words that Come From Japanese

Words of the Year: 1066