Components
/kəmˈpoʊnənts/
Definitions
A constituent part or element of something, especially one of the parts of a machine or other complex entity.
/kəmˈpoʊnənts/
A part or element of a larger whole, especially a part of a machine or vehicle.
The new car's components are all state-of-the-art.
💡 Simply: Imagine building a Lego set. Each individual Lego brick is a component. When you put all the bricks together, you build the final thing!
👶 For kids: A component is like one piece of a bigger toy or machine.
More Examples
The technician replaced several faulty components in the printer.
Carefully check all components before assembling the device.
How It's Used
"The engine has many individual components that work together."
"We need to replace the faulty components in the computer."
Idioms & expressions
key component
A crucial or essential part of something.
"Communication is a key component of a successful relationship."
major component
A significant part of something.
"Education is a major component of human development."
From Latin *componens*, present participle of *componere* 'to put together', from *com-* 'together' + *ponere* 'to place'.
The word 'components' has been used since the 17th century to describe the parts of a machine or structure. Its usage has expanded to include various fields of engineering and technology.
Memory tip
Think of assembling a model car; each part is a component.
Word Origin
"to put together"