Cement refers to a powdered substance that is typically made from limestone and clay. It is commonly used as a binding agent in construction materials, such as concrete and mortar. In the context of the clue given, cement is a component of concrete, which is a strong and durable building material.
Note: The provided meaning of the answer is for the latest New York Times crossword puzzle clue: *Concrete component. Explanations are generated by AI and may be inaccurate.