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

If a prenup comes from a place of fear, anxiety, or distrust, then it will be experienced as a tense and negative component of the relationship. — Hannah Hickok, Glamour, "I Got a Prenup—but It Wasn't to Protect My Money," 27 Nov. 2018 Production of components for Vinci flight engines has already begun, and the European launch company still plans for the Ariane 6 rocket to make its maiden flight in 2020. — Eric Berger, Ars Technica, "Rocket Report: SpaceX nabs another contract, Vector cashes in, Vulcan delay," 26 Oct. 2018 There’s also a genetic component for some people, especially those with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. — Korin Miller, SELF, "10 Facts About Alzheimer's Disease You Should Know," 28 Sep. 2018 The challenge is creating components of logic circuits that work reliably without interference from the natural activity in cells, and that don’t rob cells of too much energy or too many resources. — Eric Smalley, Discover Magazine, "Cellular Cyborgs: How Programmable DNA Strands Might Control Healing," 25 Sep. 2018 During the war, Singer produced components for the Sperry T-1 bomb sight, B-29 bomber gunfire control computers, directional gyro and artificial horizon instruments, and automatic pilot parts. — Kyle Mizokami, Popular Mechanics, "When the Singer Sewing Machine Company Built the Best .45 Pistol Ever Made," 21 Sep. 2018 My birth doula likened the surgical repair for a 4th degree tear to an intricate embroidery of many layers of tissue and muscle, a repair that heals from the inside out to bring back the integral components of the pelvic floor musculature. — Frances F. Denny, Harper's BAZAAR, "What People Don’t Tell You About Childbirth: The Realities of Vaginal Tearing," 16 July 2018 Doctors believe that there is a genetic component for dystonia, a predisposition that is triggered by an event in life. — Sandee Lamotte, CNN, "The radio man without a voice," 15 June 2018 There’s generally a scarcity of second-hand components for the A380, making pieces like landing gear, flaps and engines more valuable, Gehling said. — Tom Lavell, Bloomberg.com, "Two Unwanted A380s Are Moving Closer to the Scrapheap," 5 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.