part

Part is a term used to denote a piece, portion, or component that, with other parts, forms a whole. As a noun, a part can refer to any distinct element of an object, system, or concept, from a car’s engine part to a plan's part. Parts are often identified in a parts list or bill of materials and can be categorized by function, material, or compatibility. In manufacturing and repair, spare parts are kept in inventory to replace worn or damaged components.

In mathematics and science, a part (or subset) is a portion of a larger set, and the phrase "part of" can indicate that something comprises only a portion of a whole. Fractions describe such shares, such as two parts out of five. In anatomy and botany, body parts or plant parts refer to the components of organisms, such as organs, roots, or leaves.

In culture and language, a part can refer to a role in a play or film. Verb usage includes to part, meaning to separate or divide, as in part the hair or part the crowd, or to part ways, indicating a divergence.

The word derives from Old French part, from Latin pars, and is related to portion, piece, segment, and component. Its core sense emphasizes subdivision of a larger whole into distinct elements.