noun

integration

in-tuh-GRAY-shun

Integration (noun) means the act of combining separate parts, systems, or groups so that they work together as a single whole. Example: “The integration of the two companies' payroll systems took a year.”

noun

The act of combining separate parts, systems, or groups so that they work together as a single whole.

"The integration of the two companies' payroll systems took a year."

"Better integration between the sales and support teams would stop customers repeating themselves."

computing A connection built between two pieces of software so that they can share data automatically.

"We added a Slack integration so alerts appear in the team channel."

"The app offers integrations with over two hundred services."

The process of bringing people of different racial or social backgrounds into the same schools, institutions, or communities on equal terms.

"The 1954 ruling paved the way for the integration of public schools."

mathematics In mathematics, the operation of finding the integral of a function; the reverse of differentiation.

"Integration by parts is the quickest route to solving this one."

How to Use Integration

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishJoining separate things together so they act as one.

When to use it

Neutral. The software sense now dominates everyday business speech; the social sense carries historical weight and should be used carefully.

Memory tip

The verb is integrate, and the thing joined is integrated into (not integrated with) a larger whole when it becomes part of it.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

integration vs interoperability integration vs assimilation

Common pairings

seamless integration vertical integration system integration integration testing racial integration

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Can you complete this real example?

The _____ of the two companies' payroll systems took a year.

Etymology

From Latin integrare, "to make whole or complete", from integer, "whole".

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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combination merging unification consolidation incorporation

Antonyms

separation segregation fragmentation differentiation

Related Words

union difference division distance combination divorce separation mixture

Rhymes for integration

region billion ablation allusion emulsion ideation novation abortion abrasion diffusion elocution extension

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between integration and assimilation?

Integration means different groups coexisting as equal parts of one society while keeping their own identities. Assimilation means a minority group adopting the dominant culture and giving up its distinct traits. Integration is generally two-way; assimilation is one-way.

What does integration mean in software?

It means connecting two applications so that data flows between them without anyone copying it by hand. A payments integration, for example, lets your website talk directly to a card processor.

What is vertical integration?

It is when a company owns several stages of its own supply chain, such as a coffee brand that owns the farms, the roastery and the shops. It contrasts with horizontal integration, which is buying up competitors at the same stage.

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