element

noun

el·​e·​ment ˈe-lə-mənt 

1

a

: any of the four substances air, water, fire, and earth formerly believed to compose the physical universe

b

elements plural : weather conditions

especially : violent or severe weather

battling the elements

c

: the state or sphere natural or suited to a person or thing

at school she was in her element

2

: a constituent part: such as

a

elements plural : the simplest principles of a subject of study : rudiments

b(1)

: a part of a geometric magnitude

an infinitesimal element of volume

(2)

: a generator of a geometric figure

also : a line or line segment contained in the surface of a cone or cylinder

(3)

: a basic member of a mathematical or logical class or set

(4)

: one of the individual entries in a mathematical matrix or determinant

c

: a distinct group within a larger group or community

the criminal element in the city

d(1)

: one of the necessary data or values on which calculations or conclusions are based

(2)

: one of the factors determining the outcome of a process

e

: any of the fundamental substances that consist of atoms of only one kind and that singly or in combination constitute all matter

f

: a distinct part of a composite device

g

: a subdivision of a military unit

3

elements plural : the bread and wine used in the Eucharist

Synonyms

• building block
• component
• constituent
• factor
• ingredient
• member

Choose the Right Synonym for element

element, component, constituent, ingredient mean one of the parts of a compound or complex whole.

element applies to any such part and often connotes irreducible simplicity.

the basic elements of geometry

component and constituent may designate any of the substances (whether elements or compounds) or the qualities that enter into the makeup of a complex product; component stresses its separate entity or distinguishable character.

the components of a stereo system

constituent stresses its essential and formative character.

the constituents of a chemical compound

ingredient applies to any of the substances which when combined form a particular mixture.

the ingredients of a cocktail

Examples of element in a Sentence

Water is composed of the elements hydrogen and oxygen.

a free press is an essential element of a democracy

Recent Examples on the Web

The common element is that a single federal judge in one of 94 regional districts paused a policy for the entire country while the case is being litigated. —Bart Jansen, USA Today, 18 May 2025

Meanwhile, a personal tragedy shakes Colin into consciousness, the only element that manages to pierce Ray’s exterior long enough to let his sub in. —Glenn Garner, Deadline, 18 May 2025

The primary element is a modest member of the legume family, the unpretentious black-eyed pea. —Libby Monteith Minor, Southern Living, 17 May 2025

Listen to this article Chicago Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong has played enough games at Wrigley Field in his young big-league career to know the wind can create tricky elements in any game. —Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 17 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French, from Latin elementum

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing element

• element of surprise
• identity element
• in one's element
• minor element
• out of one's element
• rare earth element
• trace element
• transposable element

Rhymes for element

• multielement

Kids Definition

element

noun

el·​e·​ment ˈel-ə-mənt 

1

a

: one of the four substances air, water, fire, or earth formerly believed to make up the physical universe

b

plural : forces of nature

especially : stormy or cold weather

c

: the state or place natural or suited to a person or thing

at school she was in her element

2

: one of the parts of which something is made up: as

a

plural : the simplest principles of a subject of study

b

: one of the basic individual things that belong to a mathematical set or class

called also member

c

: any of more than 100 fundamental substances that consist of atoms of only one kind and that cannot be separated by ordinary chemical means into simpler substances

d

: a distinct part of a device used in the composing of print matter

3

plural : the bread and wine used in the sacrament of Communion

Medical Definition

element

noun

el·​e·​ment ˈel-ə-mənt 

1

: any of the four substances air, water, fire, and earth formerly believed to compose the physical universe

2

: a constituent part: as

a

: any of more than 100 fundamental substances that consist of atoms of only one kind and that singly or in combination constitute all matter

b

: one of the distinct parts (as a lens) of a composite device (as a microscope)

c

: one of the basic constituent units (as a cell or fiber) of a tissue

Legal Definition

element

noun

el·​e·​ment

: one of the constituent parts (as a particular act, a mental state, or an attendant circumstance) of a crime as defined by statute that the prosecution must prove to win a conviction