component
kum-POH-nunt
/kəmˈpoʊnənt/
A part or element of a larger whole, especially a part of a machine or vehicle.
In electronics, it refers to the individual parts like microchips, capacitors, and resistors.
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'componere,' meaning 'to put together.' It’s the same root that gives us 'compose' and 'composition.' A component is literally something that is 'put together' with other things to make a whole.
Word relationships
- element: Element is more abstract; component is usually a physical part of a machine.
- whole: A thing that is complete in itself.
Commonly confused with
- constituent: A constituent is a part of a whole, but it's often used in chemistry or politics (voters).
Word family
- componential (adjective): Relating to components.
Collocations
- electronic component
- key component
- vital component
Example sentences
- "Each electronic component must be tested for quality before being soldered onto the motherboard." Hardware engineering.
- "Trust is a key component of any successful international partnership." Systems analysis.
Memory hook
Think of 'composing' a song by putting different 'components' (notes) together. Building block.
When not to use
Avoid using it for 'ingredients' in cooking; it usually refers to mechanical or abstract systems.
Fun facts
- A modern smartphone contains more than 60 different chemical elements and hundreds of individual components.
Related words
Explore more words
modular, assembly, Module, constituent, form factor, complement
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