ingredient

noun in·gre·di·ent \in-ˈgrē-dē-ənt\

: one of the things that are used to make a food, product, etc.

: a quality or characteristic that makes something possible

Full Definition of INGREDIENT

: something that enters into a compound or is a component part of any combination or mixture : constituent

— ingredient adjective

See ingredient defined for English-language learners

See ingredient defined for kids

Origin of INGREDIENT

Middle English, from Latin ingredient-, ingrediens, present participle of ingredi to go into, from in- + gradi to go — more at grade

First Known Use: 15th century

Related to INGREDIENT

Synonyms: building block, component, constituent, factor, element, member

Antonyms: whole

Synonym Discussion of INGREDIENT

element, component, constituent, ingredient mean one of the parts of a compound or complex whole. element applies to any such part and often connotes irreducible simplicity <the basic elements of geometry>. component and constituent may designate any of the substances (whether elements or compounds) or the qualities that enter into the makeup of a complex product; component stresses its separate entity or distinguishable character <the components of a stereo system>. constituent stresses its essential and formative character <the constituents of a chemical compound>. ingredient applies to any of the substances which when combined form a particular mixture <the ingredients of a cocktail>.

Rhymes with INGREDIENT

expedient, obedient, submediant

INGREDIENT Defined for Kids

ingredient

noun in·gre·di·ent \in-ˈgrē-dē-ənt\

Definition of INGREDIENT for Kids

: one of the substances that make up a mixture

Medical Dictionary

ingredient

noun in·gre·di·ent \in-ˈgrēd-ē-ənt\

Medical Definition of INGREDIENT

: something that enters into a compound or is a component part of any combination or mixture <formula which will have just about the same ingredients as mother's milk—Morris Fishbein>

—ingredient adjective

Learn More About INGREDIENT

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Spanish Central: Spanish translation of "ingredient"

Nglish: Translation of "ingredient" for Spanish speakers

Britannica English: Translation of "ingredient" for Arabic speakers

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