Meaning & use
components
Last updated
UK/kəmˈpəʊnənts/
US/kəmˈpoʊnənts/
“components” is a form of “component”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.
Meaning
nounplural
The separate parts that together make up a machine, system or whole.
Grammar: Plural of component; takes a plural verb.
Patterns
- components of something
The components of the engine were laid out on the table.
Each software component is tested separately.
Flour and water are the basic components of dough.
Common combinations
- key components
- Key components were missing from the kit.
- main components
- The main components include a battery and a sensor.
- electronic components
- Electronic components are soldered onto the board.
- replace components
- We had to replace faulty components.
- components of a system
- The components of the system work together.
Synonyms and how they differ
- parts
- Parts is the everyday word, while components sounds more technical and suggests a designed role.
- elements
- Elements stresses basic ingredients, not built pieces.
- ingredients
- Ingredients is used for recipes and mixtures, not machines.
- constituents
- Constituents is a formal word for parts of a mixture or whole.
Opposites
Word family
- component noun
- One part of a whole.
- componentry noun
- Components considered as a group.
Commonly confused: components or compartment?
components vs compartment
A compartment is a separate space or section, not a part of a mechanism.
Practice
The technician replaced several worn ___ in the printer.
Choose one answer.
Components are parts of a machine. Complements add to something but are not machine parts.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “components”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.
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