Integral
Essential; necessary to make something complete or whole.
adjectiveIntegral
Essential; necessary to make something complete or whole.
adjectiveImagine This
A science teacher is teaching her students about nutrition. She is using Katherine as an example, 'It is essential in her growth to eat a balanced diet. Vitamins, proteins and fiber are good, and fat is bad.'
Sounds Like
IN-tuh-gruhl
Looks Like
integer + al
Remember This
For math students familiar with calculus, the integral is an essential concept.
Other Forms
Connect With
essential, indispensable, fundamental, component, whole
Note
Don't confuse with 'integer' (a whole number). In math, 'integral' can refer to an antiderivative or to something that is necessary to make a whole.
Study Deeper
- A good education is integral to a successful career.
- A passport is an integral part of international travel.
From Latin integralis 'whole, complete', from integer 'whole'.
Integral sounds like 'entire'; remember that an integral part is part of the entire whole.
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Similar Words
Related words and words with the same part of speech.
Indispensable
adjectiveAbsolutely necessary; essential; cannot be done without.
Fundamental
adjectiveForming the essential base or core; central, foundational, and necessary for something's existence or operation.
Abstruse
adjectiveDifficult to understand; obscure or highly complex.
Accidental
adjectiveHappening by chance or without deliberate planning; not intended. In music, it is also a noun for a symbol that temporarily alters a pitch.
Acerbic
adjectiveSharp or biting in tone or taste; caustic or mordant in manner.
Acquiescent
adjectiveReady to agree or approve without protest; compliant.