subcomponent
Element within element
A subcomponent is a part within a larger component—a piece of something that is itself a piece of something else.
The term appears in engineering, software, and manufacturing contexts where complex systems break down into components, which break down further: The fuel injection system has several subcomponents that can fail independently.
Constructing from components
- unitIndividual part or measure
- moduleIndependent functional component
- elementBasic substance or factor
- pieceA portion or segment
section · segment · portion · constituent · part · member · layer · tier
Component within larger system
- mechanismMeans by which something operates
- subroutinePackaged callable code segment
- processSteps toward a result
- operationProcess of working
function · interface · controller · driver · handler · service · agent · engine
Closed electrical pathway
- resistorCurrent-limiting circuit element
- capacitorCharge-storing circuit element
- transistorSemiconductor signal switch
- diodeOne-way semiconductor
semiconductor · microchip · solder · conductor · insulator · electrode · chip · sensor
Able to replace another
- configurableAble to be adjusted
- plug-and-playRequiring no manual configuration
- snap-fitInterlocking without fasteners
- scalableAble to increase capacity
upgradeable · swappable · replaceable · standardized · compatible · retrofit · expansion · hot-swappable
assembly
Constructing from components
- unitIndividual part or measure
- moduleIndependent functional component
- elementBasic substance or factor
piece · section · segment · portion · constituent · part · member · layer · tier · cell
subsystem
Component within larger system
- mechanismMeans by which something operates
- subroutinePackaged callable code segment
- processSteps toward a result
operation · function · interface · controller · driver · handler · service · agent · engine · pipeline
circuit
Closed electrical pathway
- resistorCurrent-limiting circuit element
- capacitorCharge-storing circuit element
- transistorSemiconductor signal switch
diode · semiconductor · microchip · solder · conductor · insulator · electrode · chip · sensor · relay
interchangeable
Able to replace another
- configurableAble to be adjusted
- plug-and-playRequiring no manual configuration
- snap-fitInterlocking without fasteners
scalable · upgradeable · swappable · replaceable · standardized · compatible · retrofit · expansion · hot-swappable · stackable
subcomponentwhole
Full and undivided
entirety · totality · aggregate · assembly · superstructure
subcomponenttop-level
Highest in rank
high-level · global · holistic · undivided · monolithic