component Meaning, Definition & Usage

1. noun an abstract part of something
   ingredient; constituent; factor; element.
   
   • jealousy was a component of his character
   • two constituents of a musical composition are melody and harmony
   • the grammatical elements of a sentence
   • a key factor in her success
   • humor: an effective ingredient of a speech
2. noun something determined in relation to something that includes it
   component part; portion; part; constituent.
   
   • he wanted to feel a part of something bigger than himself
   • I read a portion of the manuscript
   • the smaller component is hard to reach
   • the animal constituent of plankton
3. noun an artifact that is one of the individual parts of which a composite entity is made up; especially a part that can be separated from or attached to a system
   constituent; element.
   
   • spare components for cars
   • a component or constituent element of a system

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