The term 'CORE COMPONENT' can be broken down into two crossword solutions: IRON (4 letters) and SEED (4 letters). IRON is a chemical element that is found in nature and is used to make steel, which is a strong and durable metal. It is also an essential component of hemoglobin, which is a protein that carries oxygen in the blood. SEED is a small embryonic plant enclosed in a protective outer covering. Seeds are the primary means by which plants reproduce and spread, and they are essential components of the food chain.