element
//ˈɛlɪmənt//
Forms
- Plural
- elements
Definitions
1.One of the simplest or essential parts or principles of which anything consists, or upon which the constitution or fundamental powers of anything are based.
- Letters are the elements of written language.
- The she asked the elements to send their spirits to her.
- The simplicity which is so large an element in a noble nature was laughed to scorn.
2.A small part of the whole.
3.A small but present amount of a quality, a hint.
- The case was that of a murder. It had an element of mystery about it, however, which was puzzling the authorities. A turban and loincloth soaked in blood had been found; also a staff.
4.A factor, one of the conditions contributing to a result.
Frequency
Overall
Common· #1217
By learning goal
- Everyday conversation
- Rare
- General reading & writing
- Common
- Academic
- Uncommon
- Literature
- Rare
Related words
Synonyms
Word family
Etymology
From Middle English element, from Old French element, from Latin elementum (“a first principle, element, rudiment”) (see further etymology there).
The verb is from Middle English elementen, from the noun.