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
Trump took office last month at a time of persistent pessimism among Americans, with an average satisfaction score across key elements of U.S. life hovering at just 38%.
—
Avery Lotz, Axios, 11 Feb. 2025
The two paintings contain few elements that might signal a tree – a concentration of lines near the center, lines that could be branches or a central trunk and lines that could indicate the ground or a horizon.
—Mitchell Newberry, The Conversation, 11 Feb. 2025
Immigration was a key element of President Donald Trump's 2024 campaign and helped Republicans sweep to power on a national level.
—Justin Gest, Newsweek, 11 Feb. 2025
The 10-episode series will also add a present-day element that examines America’s obsession with true crime.
—Rick Porter, The Hollywood Reporter, 11 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for element 
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Avery Lotz, Axios, 11 Feb. 2025
The two paintings contain few elements that might signal a tree – a concentration of lines near the center, lines that could be branches or a central trunk and lines that could indicate the ground or a horizon.
—Mitchell Newberry, The Conversation, 11 Feb. 2025
Immigration was a key element of President Donald Trump's 2024 campaign and helped Republicans sweep to power on a national level.
—Justin Gest, Newsweek, 11 Feb. 2025
The 10-episode series will also add a present-day element that examines America’s obsession with true crime.
—Rick Porter, The Hollywood Reporter, 11 Feb. 2025
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 16 Feb. 2025.
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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