element

noun

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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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Synonyms & Antonyms for element

Synonyms

Antonyms

whole

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 Stam defended his team and their results, saying the human element should be considered. — Pat Brennan, The Enquirer, 22 July 2021 Soon, the social element of the app will be limited to what your Venmo contacts are up to. — Brian Barrett, Wired, 21 July 2021 Tracy has certainly added the personality element he's long believed has vanished since his generation of renegade open-wheel racers retired. — Jenna Fryer, Star Tribune, 16 July 2021 The housing element addresses the county’s share of new homes needed in the region. — Deborah Sullivan Brennan, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 July 2021 Removing the human element on long trucking routes has other benefits. — Jacopo Prisco, CNN, 14 July 2021 Proponents of hydrogen have identified more than a score of potential applications of the element for cutting carbon emissions. — New York Times, 13 July 2021 Dungeon Masters are the game's storytellers — they're entrusted with unraveling the game's plot while guarding important info and stats to keep the element of surprise alive. — Sarah Toscano, EW.com, 12 July 2021 Lerner said while gates and other safety measures are being considered, the human element the patrolling provides is the direction the Park District is taking for now, as congregating can occur by people simply walking into the parks’ spaces. — Yadira Sanchez Olson, chicagotribune.com, 12 July 2021

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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Dictionary Entries Near element

eleme figs

element

elemental

Statistics for element

Last Updated

25 Jul 2021

Cite this Entry

“Element.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/element. Accessed 29 Jul. 2021.

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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