ingredient
noun/ɪnˈɡɹiːdi.ənt/ · /ɪŋˈɡɹiːdi.ənt/
Etymology From Middle French ingredient, from Latin ingrediens, present participle of ingredior (“to go or enter into or onto”).
1
One of the substances present in a mixture, especially food.
- Holonyms: mixture; whole
- Near-synonyms: constituent, component
3 more examples
- The ingredients of a Spanish omelette are potatoes, eggs, onion, and a little salt.
- By way of analysis we may proceed from compounds to ingredients.1704, I[saac] N[ewton], “(please specify |book=1 to 3)”, in Opticks: Or, A Treatise of the Reflexions, Refractions, Inflexions and Colours of Light. […], London: […] Sam[uel] Smith, and Benj[amin] Walford, printers to the Royal Society, […], →OCLC:
- Water is the chief ingredient in all the animal fluids and solids.1731, John Arbuthnot, An Essay Concerning the Nature of Aliments, and the Choice of Them, According to the Different Constitutions of Human Bodies. […], London: […] J[acob] Tonson […], →OCLC:
2
Figuratively A necessary element to achieve a certain goal; a component.
- Holonym: end result
- Innovation is just one ingredient for continued growth.
1 more example
- Patience and understanding are key ingredients for a long-lasting marriage.
- Derived terms
- active ingredient, bioingredient, inactive ingredient, ingredient deck, microingredient