ingredient
UK[ɪnˈɡriːdiənt]US[ɪnˈɡriːdiənt]
n
One of the foods or substances that are combined to make a particular dish.
n
One of the things or qualities that are necessary to make something successful.
Morpheme Breakdown
in
gred
ient
in
gred
ient
Etymology
The word 'ingredient' originates from the Latin verb 'ingredi', meaning "to go in, to enter". This verb is itself composed of the prefix 'in-' ("into") and the root 'gradi' ("to step, to go"). The present participle of this verb, 'ingrediens', meant "entering". In Medieval Latin, the neuter form 'ingrediens' was used in alchemy and pharmacy to denote a component that "enters into" a mixture. This concrete sense of a constituent part of a compound was adopted into English in the early 15th century, later broadening to its modern abstract meanings of any essential component or factor in a situation.
Analysis
Structure: in + gred + ient
- in (Latin): A prefix meaning "in, into, on".
- gred (Latin): A root from the verb 'gradi' meaning "to step, to go".
- ient (Latin): A suffix forming adjectives or nouns from verbs, meaning "one who is doing or undergoing an action".
Examples
The secret ingredient in the sauce is a pinch of cinnamon.
Trust is a key ingredient for a healthy relationship.
Check the list of ingredients for any potential allergens.