Definition of: component

(kəm·pō′nənt) noun
1. A constituent part.
2. Chem. One of the ingredients of a mixture, in which it may exist in varying proportions and without loss of its own chemical properties, as salt in water: distinguished from constituent.
3. Physics a The smallest number of independently variable factors needed to establish equilibrium in a given system. Compare PHASE RULE, b One of two or more forces which, acting in fixed directions, are the equivalent of a given force.
—adjective Forming a part or ingredient. [<L componens, -entis, ppr. of componere.
See COMPOSE.]
COMPONY