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com·po·nent

(kəm-pōnənt)

1. A constituent element, as of a system. See Synonyms at element.

2. A part of a mechanical or electrical complex.

3. Mathematics One of a set of two or more vectors having a sum equal to a given vector.

adj.

Being or functioning as a constituent or an ingredient.

[From Latin compōnēns, compōnent-, present participle of compōnere, to put together : com-, com- + pōnere, to put; see apo- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.]

com′po·nential (kŏm′pə-nĕnshəl) adj.

Indo-European & Semitic Roots Appendices

Thousands of entries in the dictionary include etymologies that trace their origins back to reconstructed proto-languages. You can obtain more information about these forms in our online appendices:

Indo-European Roots

Semitic Roots

The Indo-European appendix covers nearly half of the Indo-European roots that have left their mark on English words. A more complete treatment of Indo-European roots and the English words derived from them is available in our Dictionary of Indo-European Roots.

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