Definition of integral
1a : essential to completeness : constituent an integral part of the curriculumb (1) : being, containing, or relating to one or more mathematical integers (2) : relating to or concerned with mathematical integration or the results of mathematical integrationc : formed as a unit with another part a seat with integral headrest
2 : composed of constituent parts
3 : lacking nothing essential : entire
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Examples of integral in a Sentence
I do know that shoot-'em-ups (and saw-'em-ups) are likely to remain part of our lives, and that suggests a depressing idea: Maybe the love of violence is an integral part of human nature … —Stephen King, Entertainment Weekly, 12 Oct. 2007
Stuffed with peanut butter, celery is the quintessential after-school snack; diced, it provides an essential crunch to chicken and potato salads; buttered up, it is an integral part of Thanksgiving stuffing. —Sara Dickerman, New York Times Magazine, 3 Sept. 2006
Sitting out on the grass … watching the freight trains roll by on the levee at two in the morning, drinking a beer and listening to the music drifting out of the club, is an integral part of the whole experience. —Tom Piazza, Why New Orleans Matters, 2005
She had become an integral part of their lives.
a car dealer respected for his integral honesty and straightforwardness with customers
Origin and Etymology of integral
see integer
Definition of integral
: the result of a mathematical integration — compare definite integral, indefinite integral
Examples of integral in a Sentence
The main tools used in the study of these functions are those we have already discussed: representation as integrals, power-series expansions, and differential equations. —Robert S. Strichartz, The Way of Analysis, 2000
Origin and Etymology of integral
see integer
Other Mathematics and Statistics Terms
INTEGRAL Defined for English Language Learners
integral
playDefinition of integral for English Language Learners
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: very important and necessary
INTEGRAL Defined for Kids
integral
playDefinition of integral for Students
: very important and necessary : needed to make something complete an integral part
Learn More about integral
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Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for integral Spanish Central: Translation of integral Nglish: Translation of integral for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of integral for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about integral
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