element

noun

el·e·ment | \ ˈe-lə-mənt

Definition of element

1a : 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 & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym Example Sentences Learn More about element

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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

All elements from the opening courses, these start the meal on a strong footing. — Adam Erace, Fortune, "Review: The Food at Chicago’s Yūgen Is Delightful but Sometimes Overwrought," 9 June 2019 There’s also a huge services element at play this year, too. — Nick Statt, The Verge, "How to watch Microsoft’s Xbox E3 2019 press conference," 9 June 2019 The urban design elements, particularly the incentives for more open space, are important improvements, Jung said. — David Tarrant, Dallas News, "Dallas plan commission supports controversial North Dallas rezoning plan," 6 June 2019 Distinctive elements: Shade garden featuring a large Magnolia tree; art from various Louisville artists, including paintings of poinsettias featured in the kitchen; vintage furniture pieces, including a dining room table from 1969. — Lennie Omalza, The Courier-Journal, "Louisville couple refurbished their Victorian home to highlight historic touches," 6 June 2019 Hoyt likes to mix and match shapes and colors and advises buying one lantern that has an interesting design element, such as intricate cutouts. — Washington Post, "Expert advice for making the most out of a small balcony," 6 June 2019 The visual elements alone, like the opening pictorial key, are worth the price of the book. — Alexandra Lange, Curbed, "Virginia McAlester Is the Most Popular Architecture Writer in America," 6 June 2019 In fact, Mueller’s report identifies multiple examples of conduct satisfying all the elements of obstruction of justice, and undoubtedly any person who is not the president of the United States would be indicted based on such evidence. — Jane Coaston, Vox, "David French vs. Sohrab Ahmari and the battle dividing conservatives, explained," 5 June 2019 All the elements of a rip-roaring artist’s drama are there. — Kerry Lengel, azcentral, "In 'Pavarotti' documentary, Ron Howard hits high notes but skimps on drama," 5 June 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'element.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Last Updated

13 Jun 2019

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Time Traveler for element

The first known use of element was in the 13th century

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More Definitions for element

element

noun

English Language Learners Definition of element

chemistry : one of the basic substances that are made of atoms of only one kind and that cannot be separated by ordinary chemical means into simpler substances

: a particular part of something (such as a situation or activity)

: a part of an electrical device that produces heat

See the full definition for element in the English Language Learners Dictionary

element

noun

el·e·ment | \ ˈe-lə-mənt

Kids Definition of element

1 : any of more than 100 substances that cannot by ordinary chemical means be separated into different substances Gold and carbon are elements.

2 : one of the parts of which something is made up There is an element of risk in surfing.

3 : the simplest principles of a subject of study the elements of arithmetic

4 : a member of a mathematical set

5 : the state or place natural to or suited to a person or thing At school I was in my element.

6 elements plural : the forces of nature

element

noun

el·e·ment | \ ˈel-ə-mənt

Medical Definition of element

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

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element

noun

el·e·ment

Legal Definition of element

: 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