component

1 of 2

noun

com·​po·​nent kəm-ˈpō-nənt How to pronounce component (audio)
ˈkäm-ˌpō-,
käm-ˈpō-
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 adjective

component

2 of 2

adjective

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
Choose the Right Synonym for 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

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
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Noun
Individuals with disabilities are generally aware of the federal SSDI program, but many may not know that the TTW component offers professional resources to help achieve personal fulfillment through meaningful employment. Diane Winiarski, Forbes, 3 Dec. 2024 During the project’s five-year research phase, experts re-stretched the canvas and examined the painting’s physical components, discovering arsenic sulfide pigments behind its golden glow and lead in its base layer. Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 2 Dec. 2024
Adjective
And as Golosio and his team knew, an ANN designed around a multi-component working memory model could be a powerful tool for processing and creating human-like communication. Ben Thomas, Discover Magazine, 12 Nov. 2015 Perceptual convergence of multi-component mixtures in olfaction implies an olfactory white. Ed Yong, Discover Magazine, 20 Nov. 2012 See all Example Sentences for component 

Word History

Etymology

Noun and Adjective

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

First Known Use

Noun

1645, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1664, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of component was in 1645

Dictionary Entries Near component

Cite this Entry

“Component.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/component. Accessed 7 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

component

1 of 2 noun
com·​po·​nent kəm-ˈpō-nənt How to pronounce component (audio)
käm-;
ˈkäm-ˌpō-nənt
: a part or element of something
components of an electric circuit
components of a meal

component

2 of 2 adjective
: being or forming a part : constituent

Medical Definition

component

noun
: a constituent part
the exocrine and endocrine components of the pancreas

More from Merriam-Webster on component

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