element
2 ENTRIES FOUND:
plural
elements
plural
elements
Britannica Dictionary definition of ELEMENT
1
[count]
chemistry
:
one of the basic substances that are made of atoms of only one kind and that cannot be separated by ordinary chemical means into simpler substances
-
chemical elements
-
Water is composed of the elements hydrogen and oxygen.
2
[count]
:
a particular part of something (such as a situation or activity)
-
Self-confidence was a key/vital element [=factor] in her success.
-
There's always an element of risk [=there's always some risk] in starting a new business.
-
There's a large element of truth [=there's a great deal of truth] in what she says.
-
The attackers were relying on the element of surprise. [=they were relying on their attack being a surprise]
3
[count]
:
a part of an electrical device that produces heat
-
the (heating) element of an electric iron
4
elements
[plural]
:
the most basic parts of a subject of study
-
the elements [=rudiments] of grammar
5
[count]
:
a group of people that form part of a larger group
-
the different elements of society
-
the criminal element
6
elements
[plural]
:
the weather and especially stormy or cold weather
-
The deck's bare wood was exposed to the elements.
-
The climbers battled/braved the elements to reach the summit.
7
[singular]
:
the state or place that is normal or suited to a person or thing
-
At school she was (really) in her element. [=in a place where she was comfortable and did well]
-
I tried living in the city, but I was/felt out of my element there. [=living in the city did not suit me]
8
[count]
:
one of the four substances (air, water, fire, and earth) that were believed in the past to make up every physical thing in the universe
