An electronic component is a basic electronic element usually packaged
> in a discrete form with two or more connecting leads or metallic pads.
> Components are intended to be connected together, usually by soldering
> to a printed circuit board, to create an electronic circuit with a
> particular function (for example an amplifier, radio receiver, or
> oscillator). Components may be packaged singly (resistor, capacitor,
> transistor, diode etc.) or in more or less complex groups as
> integrated circuits (operational amplifier, resistor array, logic gate
> etc.)
Thanks for that gem of wisdom.
geoff