First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
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
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Origin of INGREDIENT
Middle English, from Latin ingredient-, ingrediens, present participle of ingredi to go into, from in- + gradi to go — more at grade
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
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
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