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

Healthcare, education, our very electoral machinery…nearly every component of our civic infrastructure is in dire need of updating. — Smith Henderson, Popular Mechanics, "I Went to the Opening of Elon Musk's First Boring Company Tunnel and Here Is What I Found," 19 Dec. 2018 Game details Designer: Richard Garfield Publisher: Fantasy Flight Players: 2 Age: 14+ Playing time: 15-45 minutes Price: Starter set $40 / single deck $10 The second unique component of KeyForge is the house system. — Charlie Theel, Ars Technica, "KeyForge: The red-hot card game where every deck is unique—and unchangeable," 15 Dec. 2018 That experiential component is easier to shape in the context of exhibitions, via light and scent and interiors. — Laura Regensdorf, Vogue, "Only 500 of This Artist’s Space Kit Candle Are Up for Grabs—And They’re Totally Worth the Hype," 30 Nov. 2018 So all the emotional and mental components are there. — Sandra Harwitt, USA TODAY, "Chris Evert: Serena Williams' focus 'unbelievable' heading into Wimbledon final," 13 July 2018 Each component is essential to storytelling, and actors must be nimble enough to perform all of them equally. — Joshua Barone, New York Times, "The Trouble With Bernstein’s Broadway in the Concert Hall," 13 July 2018 People need to be aware that hemp oil is not a standardized product or name so the chemical components could be different from batch to batch, according to Hillard. — Karen Pilarski, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Six things you might be asking about hemp," 13 July 2018 The main component of the altarpiece is in a difficult-to-access cathedral in Pistoia, Italy. — Susan Dunne, courant.com, "Yale Art Gallery Unravels Leonardo Da Vinci Mysteries," 3 July 2018 Methane, the main component of natural gas, is a potent greenhouse gas that traps considerably more heat in the atmosphere than carbon dioxide, helping to accelerate climate change. — Jordan Blum, Houston Chronicle, "Exxon Mobil, Chevron help form new methane emissions consortium," 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.