Component

Pronunciation

• US IPA: /kÊŒmˈpoÊŠnÉ™nt/

Origin

From Latin compōnēns, present participle of compōnō ("assemble, put together").

Full definition of component

Noun

1. A smaller, self-contained part of a larger entity. Often refers to a manufactured object that is part of a larger device.
   A CPU is a component of a computer.
• 2013, Katie L. Burke, In the News, Oxygen levels on Earth skyrocketed 2.4 billion years ago, when cyanobacteria evolved photosynthesis:.... The evolutionary precursor of photosynthesis is still under debate, and a new study sheds light. The critical component of the photosynthetic system is the “water-oxidizing complex”, made up of manganese atoms and a calcium atom.

Derived terms

• componentless

Adjective

1. Making up a larger whole; as a component word.
2. Made up of smaller complete units in combination; as a component stereo.----