I. ˈintə̇grəl, ˈintēg- also in.ˈtegrəl or in.ˈtēgrəl or ÷ˈin.trə̇gəl or ÷ˈin.trēgəl adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Medieval Latin integralis, from Latin integr-, integer untouched, entire + -alis -al
1.
a. : of, relating to, or serving to form a whole : essential to completeness : organically joined or linked : constituent , inherent
science has become an integral part of his cultural environment — C.I.Glicksberg
an integral part of the empire
in great dramas character is always … somehow integral with plot — T.S.Eliot
political and economic power are integral one to the other — Commonweal
b.
(1) : of, being, or relating to a mathematical integer
(2) : relating to or concerned with mathematical integrals or integration
c. : formed as a unit with another part (as the main part) — often used with with ; used especially of a part of a tool or mechanism
the pin is integral with the pump body — H.F.Blanchard & Ralph Ritchen
heat transfer through tubes with integral spiral fins — Transactions of American Society of Mech. Engineers
the steam chest may be an integral part of the turbine casing or may be bolted to it — B.G.A.Skrotzki & W.A.Vopat
2. : composed of constituent parts making a whole : composite , integrated
a hospital, a medical school, and a laboratory of science all in one integral group — V.G.Heiser
3. : having nothing omitted or taken away : lacking nothing that belongs to it : complete , entire , perfect
if vocations are declining, it is because integral Catholic living is declining — J.H.Wilson
• in·te·gral·ly -əlē, -əli adverb
II. noun
( -s )
1. : an entire thing : totality , whole
2. obsolete : an integral part : constituent , component
3. : the result of a mathematical integration either of a function or of an equation