First Known Use: 13th century
Dictionary
element
noun el·e·ment \ˈe-lə-mənt\
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
Full Definition of ELEMENT
1
a : any of the four substances air, water, fire, and earth formerly believed to compose the physical universe b 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: as a 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
plural : the bread and wine used in the Eucharist
element table
See element defined for English-language learners
See element defined for kids
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Origin of ELEMENT
Middle English, from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French, from Latin elementum
Related to ELEMENT
- Synonyms
- building block, component, constituent, factor, ingredient, member
- Antonyms
- whole
Synonym Discussion of 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>.
ELEMENT Defined for Kids
element
noun el·e·ment \ˈe-lə-mənt\
Definition of ELEMENT for Kids
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
Medical Dictionary
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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