component
UK: kəmˈpəʊnənt | US: kəmˈpoʊnənt
n. a part or element of a larger whole
n. (engineering) a distinct part of a device or system
adj. serving as one of the parts of something
component = com<together> + pon<put> + ent<noun suffix>
- com: From Latin com-, meaning "together" or "with."
- pon: From Latin ponere, meaning "to put" or "to place."
- ent: A suffix forming nouns or adjectives, indicating agency or state.
Etymology Origin:
The word "component" originates from Latin componere ("to put together"), combining com- (intensifying "together") and ponere ("to place"). Over time, it evolved into componentem (Latin for "a constituent part"), reflecting the idea of parts assembled into a whole. The modern sense retains this logic, emphasizing elements that collectively form a system or structure.
Each component of the machine must function properly for it to work.
Trust is a key component of any successful relationship.
The software is modular, allowing users to replace individual components.
The chemist analyzed the components of the compound.
The team evaluated the structural components of the building design.