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

Plywood is fine for creating large panels in the headboard or footboard, but choose solid wood for all structural components. — Joseph Truini, Popular Mechanics, "How to Build Your Own Bed Frame," 21 Feb. 2019 The company said profit was squeezed by rising costs for steel and other materials and transportation for components. — Bob Tita, WSJ, "Deere Says Trade Tensions Holding Down Sales," 15 Feb. 2019 Another potential factor is that structural components in your jaw, like ligaments, just happen to be extra-elastic and allow the lower half of your jaw to shift down more than normal, which might cause a popping sound, Dr. Voigt says. — Korin Miller, SELF, "Uh, Is It a Problem If You Can 'Pop' Your Jaw?," 16 Nov. 2018 Imposing tariffs on Chinese products, some of which form parts in complicated items like automobiles, could prompt manufacturers to look elsewhere for those components. — Alex Ward, Vox, "Trump’s China strategy is the most radical in decades — and it’s failing," 18 Sep. 2018 For example, researchers have found things like personality quiz services, and JavaScript components in apps, that invasively track user data or pilfer information. — Casey Newton, The Verge, "How a new class of “digital martyrs” are manipulating social networks," 18 Sep. 2018 With depressingly ironic timing, the Trump administration announced Tuesday a plan to roll back federal rules on methane, a potent greenhouse gas that is the main component in natural gas. — Brian Flood, Fox News, "Hurricane Florence: Washington Post declares Trump is 'complicit' for dangerous storm," 12 Sep. 2018 Breeding the altered mice created pups that had the genes for both CRISPR components on different chromosomes. — Jon Cohen, Science | AAAS, "‘Gene drive’ passes first test in mammals, speeding up inheritance in mice," 10 July 2018 These are not only expensive components in terms of value-added; they are also associated with industries that are strategic to the economy. — Ling Chen, Washington Post, "How this trade war could backfire — in China’s favor," 25 June 2018

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.