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
Other elements derived from the Stuttgart carmaker include the dual-clutch transmission and VW Group components like the 4.0-liter V-8.
—
Basem Wasef, Robb Report, 23 Nov. 2024
Highlighting different elements of your company’s benefits package throughout the year and providing relevant examples of how a particular offering may benefit an employee personally helps ensure your employees understand the value of the benefit (not just the cost).
—Expert Panel®, Forbes, 22 Nov. 2024
And, as in their time, the chemistry among these elements should lead to explosive disagreement and thrilling debate.
—Michael Brendan Dougherty, National Review, 22 Nov. 2024
The best elements in the professional production assembly are Cale Finot’s widescreen cinematography and the bayou locations — neither of which are exploited to their full potential, but are attractive nonetheless.
—Dennis Harvey, Variety, 22 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for element 
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Basem Wasef, Robb Report, 23 Nov. 2024
Highlighting different elements of your company’s benefits package throughout the year and providing relevant examples of how a particular offering may benefit an employee personally helps ensure your employees understand the value of the benefit (not just the cost).
—Expert Panel®, Forbes, 22 Nov. 2024
And, as in their time, the chemistry among these elements should lead to explosive disagreement and thrilling debate.
—Michael Brendan Dougherty, National Review, 22 Nov. 2024
The best elements in the professional production assembly are Cale Finot’s widescreen cinematography and the bayou locations — neither of which are exploited to their full potential, but are attractive nonetheless.
—Dennis Harvey, Variety, 22 Nov. 2024
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 1 Dec. 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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