26984 words

element

10 definitions • 14 examples
1
a part of something:

Examples:

List the elements that make up a perfect dinner party.
The movie had all the elements of a good thriller.
We weren't even taught the elements of (= basic information about) physics at school.
2
a small amount of an emotion or quality:

Examples:

There was certainly an element of truth in what she said.
3
a simple substance that cannot be reduced to smaller chemical parts:

Examples:

Aluminium is an element.
4
earth, air, fire, and water from which people in the past believed everything else was made
5
the weather, usually bad weather:

Examples:

brave the elements We decided to brave the elements and go for a walk (= go for a walk despite the bad weather).
6
the part of an electrical device that produces heat:

Examples:

a heating element
The kettle needs a new element.
7
a circular piece of material often made of metal that can be heated in order to be used for cooking:

Examples:

a gas element
an electric element
8
one of the parts of something that makes it work, or a quality that makes someone or something effective:

Examples:

the heating element of a toaster
Having a second income is an important element for most home buyers.
They had all the elements of a great team.
9

Examples:

There was an element of truth in what she said, but it was an exaggeration.
10
a substance that cannot be reduced to smaller chemical parts and that has an atom different from that of any other substance

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