ingredient

American  

[in-gree-dee-uhnt] / ɪnˈgri di ənt /

noun

1. something that enters as an element into a mixture.

   Flour, eggs, and sugar are the main ingredients in the cake.

2. a constituent element of anything; component.

   the ingredients of political success.

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ingredient British  

/ ɪnˈɡriːdɪənt /

noun

1. a component of a mixture, compound, etc, esp in cooking

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Related Words

See element.

Etymology

Origin of ingredient

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English from Latin ingredient- (stem of ingrediēns ), present participle of ingredī “to go or step into, commence,” equivalent to in- in- ² + -gredient- “going”; gradient

Example Sentences

Sildenafil, the active ingredient in Viagra, may offer new hope for people living with Leigh syndrome, a rare and severe childhood disorder.

From Science Daily

These compounds are important because they are similar to the chemical ingredients needed for life.

From Science Daily

More acquisitions followed, as the company branched into packaging, frozen foods and flavor ingredients, all while continuing to add to its spice portfolio.

From The Wall Street Journal

Mix the chia water “glue” with the dry ingredients until it becomes a soft dough.

From Salon

The cost of crude oil, a vital ingredient in gas and diesel, has surged as a result.

From BBC

Related Words

• additive
• element
• factor
• piece