in·te·gral
in-ˈte-grəl
(usually so in mathematics)
ˈin-ti-grəl
in-ˈte-grəl
also -ˈtē-,
also nonstandard ˈin-trə-gəl
1
a
: essential to completeness : constituent
an integral part of the curriculum
b(1)
: being, containing, or relating to one or more mathematical integers
(2)
: relating to or concerned with mathematical integration or the results of mathematical integration
c
: formed as a unit with another part
a seat with integral headrest
2
: composed of constituent parts
3
: lacking nothing essential : entire
in·te·gral
ˈin-ti-grəl
: the result of a mathematical integration compare definite integral, indefinite integral
Synonyms
Examples of integral in a Sentence
Adjective
I do know that shoot-'em-ups (and saw-'em-ups) are likely to remain part of our lives, and that suggests a depressing idea: Maybe the love of violence is an integral part of human nature …
—
Stephen King, Entertainment Weekly, 12 Oct. 2007
Stuffed with peanut butter, celery is the quintessential after-school snack; diced, it provides an essential crunch to chicken and potato salads; buttered up, it is an integral part of Thanksgiving stuffing.
—Sara Dickerman, New York Times Magazine, 3 Sept. 2006
Sitting out on the grass … watching the freight trains roll by on the levee at two in the morning, drinking a beer and listening to the music drifting out of the club, is an integral part of the whole experience.
—Tom Piazza, Why New Orleans Matters, 2005
She had become an integral part of their lives.
a car dealer respected for his integral honesty and straightforwardness with customers
Noun
The main tools used in the study of these functions are those we have already discussed: representation as integrals, power-series expansions, and differential equations.
—Robert S. Strichartz, The Way of Analysis, 2000
Stephen King, Entertainment Weekly, 12 Oct. 2007
Stuffed with peanut butter, celery is the quintessential after-school snack; diced, it provides an essential crunch to chicken and potato salads; buttered up, it is an integral part of Thanksgiving stuffing.
—Sara Dickerman, New York Times Magazine, 3 Sept. 2006
Sitting out on the grass … watching the freight trains roll by on the levee at two in the morning, drinking a beer and listening to the music drifting out of the club, is an integral part of the whole experience.
—Tom Piazza, Why New Orleans Matters, 2005
She had become an integral part of their lives.
a car dealer respected for his integral honesty and straightforwardness with customers
Noun
The main tools used in the study of these functions are those we have already discussed: representation as integrals, power-series expansions, and differential equations.
—Robert S. Strichartz, The Way of Analysis, 2000
Recent Examples on the WebSteven J. Horowitz, Variety, 10 Apr. 2024
Cowboy boots can now be an integral part of your everyday wardrobe, especially during the springtime April showers.
—Essence, 8 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for integral 
Adjective
Mister Cee, the DJ, record producer and radio personality who played an integral role in the careers of Big Daddy Kane and the Notorious B.I.G., has passed away at the age of 57, according to former colleagues who received confirmation from his family.
—Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 10 Apr. 2024
Cowboy boots can now be an integral part of your everyday wardrobe, especially during the springtime April showers.
—Essence, 8 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for integral
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'integral.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Phrases Containing integral
Dictionary Entries Near integral
Cite this Entry
“Integral.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/integral. Accessed 20 Apr. 2024.
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Kids Definition
integral
adjective
in·te·gral
ˈint-i-grəl (,
usually so in mathematics );
in-ˈteg-rəl,
also -ˈtēg-
1
: needed for completeness
a lens is an integral part of a camera
2
: of or relating to an integer
9 is an integral factor of 72
3
: made up of components that together make a whole
an integral locking system
4
: lacking nothing essential : entire
integrally
adverb
ˈint-i-grə-lē;
in-ˈteg-rə-
also -ˈtēg-
More from Merriam-Webster on integral
Nglish: Translation of integral for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of integral for Arabic Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about integral
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