element

el|e|ment [ `elımənt ] noun count ***

▸ 1 basic part of something

▸ 2 in science

▸ 3 small important amount

▸ 4 for heating

▸ 5 earth/air/fire/water

▸ 6 weather

▸ + PHRASES

1. ) an important basic part of something complicated, for example a system or plan:

an important/essential element: Our new management system includes two essential elements.

element in: Advertising is not the only element in the marketing process.

element of: Fieldwork is a key element of this course.

a ) one set of people in a group or organization:

The article reflected the views of extreme right-wing elements in the party.

2. ) SCIENCE a substance that consists of only one type of atom:

hydrogen, oxygen, and other elements

3. ) singular element of a small but important amount of a particular quality or feeling:

There is an element of truth in what she said.

The element of surprise could be one of our best weapons.

4. ) the part of a piece of electrical equipment that produces heat

5. ) earth, air, fire, or water, considered in the past to be the substances that all things were made of

6. ) the elements plural the weather, especially wind and rain:

The hood provides added protection against the elements.

be in your element

to feel very happy and comfortable in a situation

be out of your element

to feel unhappy and uncomfortable in a situation

the elements of something

the first and most basic things that you learn about a subject:

a two-day course on the elements of design