Integral

/ˈɪntəɡɹəl/ adj, name, noun

adj, name, noun ·Common ·High school level

Meaning at a glance

  • Primary sense: One of the two fundamental operations of calculus (the other being differentiation), whereby a function's displacement, area, volume, or other qualities arising from the study of infinitesimal change are quantified, usually defined as a limiting process on a sequence of partial sums. Denoted using a long s: ∫, or a variant thereof.
  • Grammar: integral is listed as adj, name, noun.
  • Nearest alternatives: a certain, actions, aggregate, algorismic.
  • Useful contrasts: decimal part, fractional list, inessential.
  • Usage evidence: Death is an integral part of life.

How to use "integral"

  1. Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
  2. Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "integral" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
  3. Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.

Meaning check

  • Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
  • Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
  • Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
  • Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?

Source and review context

This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "integral" in a final draft.

If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.

Before you rely on this definition

Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "integral" as the right word for your sentence.

If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "integral" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.

Compare nearby meanings

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  • Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
  • Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
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Definition decision workflow

1. Identify the role

Check whether "integral" is acting as adj, name, noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.

2. Test the nearest option

Compare it with "a certain" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.

3. Confirm with context

Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.

Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.

Final meaning check

Before publishing a sentence with "integral", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.

When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.

Definitions

Noun
  1. 1
    One of the two fundamental operations of calculus (the other being differentiation), whereby a function's displacement, area, volume, or other qualities arising from the study of infinitesimal change are quantified, usually defined as a limiting process on a sequence of partial sums. Denoted using a long s: ∫, or a variant thereof.

    "The integral of a univariate real-valued function is the area under its curve; but be warned! Not all functions are integrable!"

  2. 2
    the result of a mathematical integration; F(x) is the integral of f(x) if dF/dx = f(x) wordnet
  3. 3
    One of the two fundamental operations of calculus (the other being differentiation), whereby a function's displacement, area, volume, or other qualities arising from the study of infinitesimal change are quantified, usually defined as a limiting process on a sequence of partial sums. Denoted using a long s: ∫, or a variant thereof.; Any of several analytic formalizations of this operation: the Riemann integral, the Lebesgue integral, etc. specifically
  4. 4
    A definite integral: the result of the application of such an operation onto a function and a suitable subset of the function's domain: either a number or positive or negative infinity. In the former case, the integral is said to be finite or to converge; in the latter, the integral is said to diverge. In notation, the domain of integration is indicated either below the sign, or, if it is an interval, with its endpoints as sub- and super-scripts, and the function being integrated forming part of the integrand (or, generally, differential form) appearing in front of the integral sign.

    "The integral of #92;frac#123;1#125;#123;x#125; on #91;#92;frac#123;1#125;#123;2#125;,1#93; is #92;ln(2), but the integral of the same function on (0,1#93; diverges. In notation, #92;int#95;#92;frac#123;1#125;#123;2#125;¹#92;frac#123;1#125;#123;x#125;dx#61;#92;ln(2), but #92;int#95;0¹#92;frac#123;1#125;#123;x#125;dx#61;#92;infty."

  5. 5
    An indefinite integral: the result of the application of such an operation onto a function together with an indefinite domain, yielding a function; a function's antiderivative;

    "The integral of x² is #92;frac#123;x³#125;#123;3#125; plus a constant."

Show 1 more definition
  1. 6
    An indefinite integral: the result of the application of such an operation onto a function together with an indefinite domain, yielding a function; a function's antiderivative;; The fluent of a given fluxion in Newtonian calculus. historical, obsolete
Adjective
  1. 1
    Constituting a whole together with other parts or factors; not omittable or removable.

    "Ceasing to do evil, and doing good, are the two great integral parts that complete this duty."

  2. 2
    Of, pertaining to, or being an integer.
  3. 3
    Relating to integration (“the process of finding the integral [noun] of a function”).
  4. 4
    Being the root of some monic polynomial in A.
  5. 5
    Whole; undamaged. obsolete

    "A local motion keepeth bodies integral."

Adjective
  1. 1
    constituting the undiminished entirety; lacking nothing essential especially not damaged wordnet
  2. 2
    existing as an essential constituent or characteristic wordnet
  3. 3
    of or denoted by an integer wordnet
Proper Noun
  1. 1
    Abbreviation of International Gamma-Ray Astrophysics Laboratory (a satellite of the European Space Agency). abbreviation, alt-of

Antonyms

decimal partfractional listinessentialparenthetic

Example

"Death is an integral part of life."

Common questions

What does "integral" mean?

One of the two fundamental operations of calculus (the other being differentiation), whereby a function's displacement, area, volume, or other qualities arising from the study of infinitesimal change are quantified, usually defined as a limiting process on a sequence of partial sums. Denoted using a long s: ∫, or a variant thereof.

What is a synonym for "integral"?

Common synonyms include: a certain, actions, aggregate, algorismic, algorithmic, aliquot.

How do you use "integral" in a sentence?

Death is an integral part of life.

How do you pronounce "integral"?

Pronounced /ˈɪntəɡɹəl/.

Etymology

Borrowed from Middle French integral, from Medieval Latin integrālis, from Latin integer (“entire”); see integer.

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