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
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
At least Veys has cover from the elements.
—
Andy Mitten, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
The renowned athlete paired the high-shine shoes with a slinky, body-hugging one-shoulder gown enlivened with intriguing ruching along the bodice and right hip, the latter of which was also detailed with a swirly-looking 3D element.
—Kelsey Stewart, Footwear News, 25 Oct. 2025
Its cotton blend is mixed with wool for additional warmth and insulation against the elements, and it can be worn on its own or layered beneath a lightweight trench depending on the weather.
—Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 25 Oct. 2025
By linking the snake symbol (related to water) with the monument, the Maya are directly aligning political rulership with the element of water.
—Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 25 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for element
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Andy Mitten, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
The renowned athlete paired the high-shine shoes with a slinky, body-hugging one-shoulder gown enlivened with intriguing ruching along the bodice and right hip, the latter of which was also detailed with a swirly-looking 3D element.
—Kelsey Stewart, Footwear News, 25 Oct. 2025
Its cotton blend is mixed with wool for additional warmth and insulation against the elements, and it can be worn on its own or layered beneath a lightweight trench depending on the weather.
—Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 25 Oct. 2025
By linking the snake symbol (related to water) with the monument, the Maya are directly aligning political rulership with the element of water.
—Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 25 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for element
Cite this Entry
“Element.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/element. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
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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