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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

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>

: 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

plural : the bread and wine used in the Eucharist

element table

See element defined for English-language learners

See element defined for kids

Origin of ELEMENT

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

First Known Use: 13th century

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>.

Other Chemical Engineering Terms

alkali, cation, decant, hygroscopic, isotope, oxidize, slurry, solute, viscous

ELEMENTS Defined for Kids

element

noun el·e·ment \ˈe-lə-mənt\

Definition of ELEMENT for Kids

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

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

: the simplest principles of a subject of study <the elements of arithmetic>

: a member of a mathematical set

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

elements plural : the forces of nature

Medical Dictionary

element

noun el·e·ment \ˈel-ə-mənt\

Medical Definition of ELEMENT

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

: 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