element
noun
el·e·ment
ˈe-lə-mənt 
1
a
: 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
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
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
And yet who among us has not felt naïve in the pursuit of a trench, parka, or puffer that can withstand both the elements and the critical eye?
—
Daniel Rodgers, Vogue, 5 Nov. 2024
Around 300 international industry professionals and buyers from 30 countries are attending this year’s edition of the event, which comprises three elements – Pitching, Market and Forum.
—Liz Shackleton, Deadline, 5 Nov. 2024
But certain elements of the late 19th century have carried over to the present day, and some economists have been raising alarm bells about what this could mean going forward.
—Justin Klawans, theweek, 5 Nov. 2024
There was also an element of escapism at the concert, which took place on the evening before Election Day.
—Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 5 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for element 
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Daniel Rodgers, Vogue, 5 Nov. 2024
Around 300 international industry professionals and buyers from 30 countries are attending this year’s edition of the event, which comprises three elements – Pitching, Market and Forum.
—Liz Shackleton, Deadline, 5 Nov. 2024
But certain elements of the late 19th century have carried over to the present day, and some economists have been raising alarm bells about what this could mean going forward.
—Justin Klawans, theweek, 5 Nov. 2024
There was also an element of escapism at the concert, which took place on the evening before Election Day.
—Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 5 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for element
Dictionary Entries Near element
Cite this Entry
“Element.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/element. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
element
noun
el·e·ment
ˈel-ə-mənt
1
a
: one of the four substances air, water, fire, or earth formerly believed to make up the physical universe
b
plural
: forces of nature
especially
: stormy or cold weather
c
: the state or place natural or suited to a person or thing
at school she was in her element
2
: one of the parts of which something is made up: as
a
plural
: the simplest principles of a subject of study
b
: one of the basic individual things that belong to a mathematical set or class
called also member
c
: any of more than 100 fundamental substances that consist of atoms of only one kind and that cannot be separated by ordinary chemical means into simpler substances
d
: a distinct part of a device used in the composing of print matter
3
plural
: the bread and wine used in the sacrament of Communion
Medical Definition
element
noun
el·e·ment
ˈel-ə-mənt
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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