Hoofdonderdeel

Hoofdonderdeel is a Dutch compound noun formed from hoofd ("head" or "main") and onderdeel ("part" or "component"), and denotes the principal part or main component of a larger whole. It is commonly used to identify the most important element within systems, structures, documents or organisations.

In technical and engineering contexts hoofdonderdeel refers to a primary component whose function is central to the operation of a device or machine, for example a motor as the hoofdonderdeel of certain equipment. In organisational and procedural usage it can denote a core department, task or phase that determines overall performance. In educational settings the term may describe a major unit within a curriculum. Legal and bureaucratic texts use it to single out essential provisions or sections.

Grammatically hoofdonderdeel is a neuter noun; the plural form is hoofdonderdelen. It follows standard Dutch compounding rules and is written as a single word. Synonyms include hoofdcomponent, kernonderdeel and belangrijkste onderdeel. English equivalents are "main component," "principal part," or "core element."

Usage examples include phrases such as "het hoofdonderdeel van de machine" (the main component of the machine) and "het hoofdonderdeel van de cursus" (the main part of the course). The term is neutral and descriptive, without specialized legal or technical implications beyond denoting central importance.