Definition

1. Noun:
   • A component part or element of something: An ingredient is one of the things that a mixture, compound, or recipe is made from.
   • A factor or element contributing to a situation or result: An ingredient can also be an abstract part or quality that contributes to a whole.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • Flour is the main ingredient in bread.
  • Trust is a key ingredient in a successful relationship.
  • The active ingredient in this medicine is aspirin.

Advanced Usage

• "Active ingredient": The component in a drug or product that causes its intended effect.
  • The active ingredient in this pain reliever is ibuprofen.
• "Secret ingredient": A special, often undisclosed, component that makes something unique or successful.
  • The chef's secret ingredient is a pinch of nutmeg.

Variants and Related Words

• Component (n): A part or element of a larger whole.
  • The engine is a vital component of the car.
• Constituent (n): A component part of something.
  • Analyzing the constituents of the chemical compound.
• Element (n): A fundamental or essential part.
  • The story has all the elements of a great tragedy.
• Factor (n): A circumstance, fact, or influence that contributes to a result.
  • Cost was a major factor in our decision.

Synonyms

• Component
• Constituent
• Element
• Part

Related Phrases

• "All the ingredients for (something)": Having all the necessary elements for a particular situation or outcome.
  • The team has all the ingredients for a championship season.

Noun

1. food that is a component of a mixture in cooking
   • the recipe lists all the fixings for a salad
2. an abstract part of something
   • jealousy was a component of his character
   • two constituents of a musical composition are melody and harmony
   • the grammatical elements of a sentence
   • a key factor in her success
   • humor: an effective ingredient of a speech
3. a component of a mixture or compound