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

Legos and a smartphone are two of the key components to this ingenious MacGyver-worthy device. — Allison Barrie, Fox News, "Innovative project harnesses Legos and smartphones in the fight against invisible, deadly weapons," 13 July 2018 Transportation Department spokeswoman Aurah Landau says the Columbia needed significant repairs that required the manufacturing of new bow thruster exhaust system components. — Anchorage Daily News, "Repairs keep Alaska ferry out of service for second week," 7 July 2018 Overall China is the largest market for semiconductors, yet isn’t home to even one of the top 10 producers of the crucial electronic components. — Debby Wu, The Seattle Times, "Micron chip sales banned in China in patent case, rival UMC says," 3 July 2018 First, researchers will need to dramatically decrease the size and weight of microelectronic components to make a camera. — Scientific American, "Astronomy at the Speed of Light," 3 July 2018 Fan ballots are one of three components in determining the team along with votes from the 12 football-playing schools as well as local and national media covering the league and its teams. — Matt Murschel, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Fans can vote for AAC's Fifth Anniversary Football Team," 2 July 2018 Samsung had been arguing for smaller penalties directly related to the value of components or features impacted by the patents. — Edward C. Baig, USA TODAY, "Finally over: Samsung and Apple settle longstanding patent dispute," 27 June 2018 Each of his products is made of dozens of components from around the world, and tariffs would change the structure of every one of his long-term contracts with clients and suppliers. — Katia Dmitrieva, Bloomberg.com, "In Louisiana, Trump’s Trade War Spooks America’s Biggest Port," 27 June 2018 One of these components is the importance of cooling mechanisms on popular sentiment. — Taylor Lorenz, The Atlantic, "James Madison Would Be Horrified by a Tweeting President," 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.