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constituent

noun
con·​stit·​u·​ent | \ kən-ˈstich-wənt How to pronounce constituent (audio) , -ˈsti-chə-, -ˈsti-chü-ənt\

Definition of constituent

 (Entry 1 of 2)

1 : a member of a constituency pledged to help her elderly constituents
2 : an essential part : component, element The organic constituents of plants, animals, and microorganisms …— Harry S. Mosher et al.
3 : one who authorizes another to act as agent : principal
4 : a structural unit of a definable syntactic, semantic, or phonological category that consists of one or more linguistic elements (such as words, morphemes, or features) and that can occur as a component of a larger construction

constituent

adjective

Definition of constituent (Entry 2 of 2)

1 : serving to form, compose, or make up a unit or whole : component constituent parts
2 : having the power to create a government or frame or amend a constitution a constituent assembly
Other Words from constituent Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about constituent

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Other Words from constituent

Adjective

constituently adverb

Synonyms & Antonyms for constituent

Synonyms: Noun

building block, component, element, factor, ingredient, member

Antonyms: Noun

whole

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Choose the Right Synonym for constituent

Noun

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

Examples of constituent in a Sentence

Noun

 She's pledged to help her elderly constituents. Many senators have received calls from constituents who want them to vote in favor of the law.
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Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

 This is the second of a series of mobile office hours for constituents to share their opinions and ideas or receive help with issues involving state agencies. — Michelle Mullins, Naperville Sun, "Naperville News Digest," 7 June 2019 The planetary fragment at SDSS J1228 was found by examining the spectra of the star, or the breaking down of its light into constituent elements with a device called a spectroscope. — John Wenz, Popular Mechanics, "Scientists Think They've Found a Dead Planetary Core Orbiting a Dead Star," 4 Apr. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'constituent.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of constituent

Noun

1622, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Adjective

1660, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for constituent

Noun

French constituant, from Middle French, from present participle of constituer to constitute, from Latin constituere — see constitute

Adjective

Latin constituent-, constituens, present participle of constituere — see constituent entry 1

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More Definitions for constituent

constituent

noun
How to pronounce constituent (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of constituent

 (Entry 1 of 2)

: any one of the people who live and vote in an area : a member of a constituency
: one of the parts that form something

constituent

adjective

English Language Learners Definition of constituent (Entry 2 of 2)

: forming part of a whole

See the full definition for constituent in the English Language Learners Dictionary

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