What does "integral" mean?

1. (essential) necessary and important as a part of a whole system or object. 2. (calculus operation) a mathematical calculation used to find things like the area under a curved line.

How do you use "integral"?

Often followed by the preposition 'to'. Commonly distinguished as 'definite' or 'indefinite' integrals.

integral

adj. · n.

US //ˈɪnəɡɹəɫ// in·te·gral

1 essential (adj.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Academic

necessary and important as a part of a whole system or object.

essential to completeness; constituent or forming a necessary part of a whole.

Example

Regular exercise is an integral part of a healthy lifestyle.

Example

The research team argued that community engagement was integral to the project's long-term success rather than a secondary consideration.

Usage

Often followed by the preposition 'to'.
2 calculus operation (n.)
C1 Advanced Technical Academic Math

a mathematical calculation used to find things like the area under a curved line.

the result of a mathematical integration; a function representing the area under the graph of another function.

Example

The students had to calculate the definite integral for their homework.

Example

The physicist used a double integral to determine the total mass of the object based on its varying density.

Usage

Commonly distinguished as 'definite' or 'indefinite' integrals.
- antiderivative
- derivative

Origin

Borrowed from Middle French integral, from Medieval Latin integrālis, from Latin integer (“entire”); see integer.

Word family

Nounintegral
Nounintegration
Nounintegrity