component
n. · adj.-
1 a part of a machine or system (n.) B2 Upper Intermediate General-service Technicalone of the individual parts that makes up a machine or a piece of equipment.
a physical part of a mechanical or electronic device, often manufactured as a discrete unit.
ExampleThe technician replaced a broken component in the computer's cooling system.
ExampleThe manufacturer sources high-quality electronic components from several different suppliers to ensure the final product meets safety standards.
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2 a part of an idea or plan (n.) B2 Upper Intermediate Academica part of a larger plan, idea, or situation.
a constituent element of a conceptual whole, such as a strategy, curriculum, or chemical mixture.
ExampleRegular exercise is a vital component of a healthy lifestyle.
ExampleThe research team identified three key components of the economic crisis that had been overlooked by previous analysts.
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3 forming a whole (adj.) C1 Advanced Academic Formaldescribing the parts that make up a larger thing.
serving as one of the parts of a whole; non-gradable and typically used before a noun.
ExampleThe scientist broke the substance down into its component parts.
ExampleBy examining the component elements of the alloy, the engineers were able to determine why the structure failed under pressure.
UsageAlways used before a noun.
Borrowed from Latin compōnēns, compōnēntis, present participle of compōnō (“assemble, put together”).