noun

element

EH-lih-muhnt

noun

A basic or essential part of something larger.

"Trust is a key element of any good relationship."

"Surprise is an important element of good storytelling."

In chemistry, a substance made of only one type of atom, which cannot be broken down into simpler substances.

"Oxygen and gold are both chemical elements."

A small but noticeable amount of a quality, or a heating part inside an appliance.

"There was an element of truth in what he said."

"The kettle stopped working because its heating element burned out."

How to Use Element

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA basic building block or essential piece of something — used for chemistry, ideas, and everyday parts of a situation.

Common mistake

In science, "element" means a pure substance (like iron); don't confuse it with "compound," which is two or more elements chemically combined (like water).

Common pairings

key element chemical element element of surprise

Word Forms

elemented past tense, elements plural, elements singular

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Trust is a key _____ of any good relationship.

Etymology

From Old French element, from Latin elementum, meaning a first principle or basic building block.

Rhymes for element

cement clement pavement tenement amusement statement agreement excrement amazement atonement implement placement

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