Definition

Noun: 1. A fundamental, essential, or irreducible part of a composite entity. An element is one of the simplest or most basic parts that something is made from or that contributes to its nature. 2. A substance that cannot be decomposed into simpler substances by chemical means. In chemistry, an element is one of over 100 fundamental types of matter (e.g., hydrogen, oxygen, gold) defined by its atomic number. 3. A natural or suitable environment or sphere. An element is the natural habitat or situation where someone or something thrives or feels most comfortable. 4. (In plural, elements) The basic principles or rudiments of a subject of study. 5. (In plural, elements) The forces of the atmosphere, especially wind and weather.

Examples

1. As a fundamental part:
   • Honesty is a key element of a strong friendship.
   • The most important element of the plan is secrecy.
   • The design incorporates several traditional architectural elements.
2. As a chemical substance:
   • Water is a compound made from the elements hydrogen and oxygen.
   • Carbon is an element essential for all known life.
   • The periodic table organizes all known chemical elements.
3. As a natural environment:
   • On the dance floor, she was in her element.
   • Water is the element of fishes.
   • As a teacher, he is in his element when explaining complex ideas.
4. As basic principles (elements):
   • This book teaches the elements of computer programming.
   • He learned the elements of music theory as a child.
5. As atmospheric forces (elements):
   • The hikers were exposed to the fury of the elements during the storm.
   • The building's design protects it from the elements.

Advanced Usage

• To be in one's element: To be in a situation where one feels completely comfortable, confident, and happy.
  • Surrounded by books in the library, the scholar was in her element.
• To be out of one's element: To be in a situation where one feels uncomfortable, awkward, or incompetent.
  • At the loud, crowded party, the quiet artist felt completely out of his element.

Variants and Related Words

• Elemental (adjective): Of, relating to, or resembling a basic, powerful, or fundamental force of nature.
  • The storm unleashed its elemental fury.
• Elementary (adjective): Relating to the most basic or fundamental aspects; simple or rudimentary.
  • She is taking an elementary course in Spanish.

Synonyms

• Component: A part or element of a larger whole.
• Constituent: Being a part of a whole.
• Factor: One of the elements contributing to a particular result.
• Ingredient: A component part or element of something.
• Member: A distinct part of a whole structure.

Related Phrases

• Brave the elements: To go outside in bad weather.
  • We braved the elements to watch the football game.
• The elements of something: The basic, introductory parts of a subject.
  • He mastered the elements of calculus before moving to advanced topics.

Noun

1. a straight line that generates a cylinder or cone
2. the situation in which you are happiest and most effective
   • in your element
3. one of four substances thought in ancient and medieval cosmology to constitute the physical universe
   • the alchemists believed that there were four elements
4. the most favorable environment for a plant or animal
   • water is the element of fishes
5. any of the more than 100 known substances (of which 92 occur naturally) that cannot be separated into simpler substances and that singly or in combination constitute all matter
6. an artifact that is one of the individual parts of which a composite entity is made up; especially a part that can be separated from or attached to a system
   • spare components for cars
   • a component or constituent element of a system
7. an abstract part of something
   • jealousy was a component of his character
   • two constituents of a musical composition are melody and harmony
   • the grammatical elements of a sentence
   • a key factor in her success
   • humor: an effective ingredient of a speech