Dictionary Home » Dictionary Definitions » element

element

Listen See in Thesaurus See in a sentence

The definition of an element is one of the substances that constitute all physical matter - wind, air, fire or water, or a natural environment.

(noun)

An example of an element is the fire that cooks the food on a gas range stove.
An example of an element is a neighborhood; living in your element.

See element in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

any of the four substances (earth, air, fire, and water) formerly believed to constitute all physical matter
any of these four substances thought of as the natural environment of a class of living beings
the natural or suitable environment, situation, etc. for a person or thing
often in the phrase in (or out of) one's element
1. a component part or quality, often one that is basic or essential: a good story has an element of suspense
2. a constituent group of a specified kind: the criminal element in a city
3. a determining factor
4. any of the data needed or used to make certain calculations, solve a particular problem, etc.
on certain electric typewriters, a hollow, metal ball with raised letters, symbols, etc. that print as the corresponding keys are depressed
Chem. any substance that cannot be separated into different substances by ordinary chemical methods: all matter is composed of such substances: elements can be transformed into other elements by radioactive decay or by nuclear reactions
Comput. one item of data, as in an array (sense )
Eccles. the bread and wine of Communion
Elec.
1. any device with terminals at which it can be connected with other electrical devices
2. the wire coil that becomes glowing hot, as in an electric oven
Math.
1. an infinitesimal part of any magnitude; differential
2. the point, line, etc. that generates a line, surface, etc.
3. a part of a set or configuration, as a side of a triangle or a number in a matrix
Mil. a subdivision of a unit or formation

Origin: ME < OFr < L elementum, first principle, element

See element in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

A fundamental, essential, or irreducible constituent of a composite entity.
elements The basic assumptions or principles of a subject.
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.
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.
One of four substances, earth, air, fire, or water, formerly regarded as a fundamental constituent of the universe.
Electricity The resistance wire in an electrical appliance such as a heater or an oven.
elements The forces that constitute the weather, especially severe or inclement weather: outside paint that had been damaged by the elements.
An environment naturally suited to or associated with an individual: He is in his element when traveling. The business world is her element.
A distinct group within a larger community: the dissident element on campus.
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.
elements The bread and wine of the Eucharist.