element
 el·e·ment (ĕlʹə-mənt) n.
1. A fundamental, essential, or irreducible constituent of a composite entity.
2. elements The basic assumptions or principles of a subject.
3. Mathematics.
a. A member of a set.
b. A point, line, or plane.
c. A part of a geometric configuration, such as an angle in a triangle.
d. The generatrix of a geometric figure.
e. Any of the terms in the rectangular array of terms that constitute a matrix or determinant.
4. Chemistry & Physics. A substance composed of atoms having an identical number of protons in each nucleus. Elements cannot be reduced to simpler substances by normal chemical means.
5. One of four substances, earth, air, fire, or water, formerly regarded as a fundamental constituent of the universe.
6. Electricity. The resistance wire in an electrical appliance such as a heater or an oven.
7. elements The forces that constitute the weather, especially severe or inclement weather:
outside paint that had been damaged by the elements.
8. An environment naturally suited to or associated with an individual:
He is in his element when traveling. The business world is her element.
9. A distinct group within a larger community:
the dissident element on campus.
10. A part of a military force, especially:
a. A ground unit in an air force comparable to a platoon.
b. A unit of an air force equal to two or three aircraft.
11. elements The bread and wine of the Eucharist. [Middle English, from Old French, from Latin elementum, perhaps ultimately from lmn, first three letters of the second half of the Canaanite alphabet, recited by ancient scribes when learning it.]
Synonyms: element, component, constituent, factor, ingredient
These nouns denote one of the individual parts of which a composite entity is made up: the grammatical elements of a sentence; jealousy, a component of his character; melody and harmony, two of the constituents of a musical composition; ambition as a key factor in her success; humor, an effective ingredient of a speech.
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