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
Quiet luxury has become an overused phrase in both fashion and design, but the residence is nonetheless imbued with that timeless element, which is embodied through a neutral color palette, scrumptious fabrics, and organic, quality materials including wide-plank, white oak floorboards.
—
Emma Reynolds, Robb Report, 26 Sep. 2024
However, it has been heavily criticized since its inception, particularly for its departure from traditional elements of common law fraud, such as requiring an intent to defraud.
—Kaelan Deese, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 26 Sep. 2024
The elements of this story—Altman’s uncanny ability to ascend and persuade people to cede power to him—have shown up throughout his career.
—Karen Hao, The Atlantic, 26 Sep. 2024
The Castel, a UNESCO site created in an octagonal shape, incorporates classic and Arab architectural elements.
—Catherine Sabino, Forbes, 26 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for element 
Emma Reynolds, Robb Report, 26 Sep. 2024
However, it has been heavily criticized since its inception, particularly for its departure from traditional elements of common law fraud, such as requiring an intent to defraud.
—Kaelan Deese, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 26 Sep. 2024
The elements of this story—Altman’s uncanny ability to ascend and persuade people to cede power to him—have shown up throughout his career.
—Karen Hao, The Atlantic, 26 Sep. 2024
The Castel, a UNESCO site created in an octagonal shape, incorporates classic and Arab architectural elements.
—Catherine Sabino, Forbes, 26 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for element
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'element.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near element
Cite this Entry
“Element.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/element. Accessed 8 Oct. 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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