in chemistry, any of more than 100 fundamental substances that consist of atoms of only one kind and that singly or in combination constitute all matter
any of the constituent parts that make up a whole
(in pl) the simplest principles of a subject of study; the rudiments
(treated as sing. or pl) a specified group within a human community
a criminal element
any of the factors determining an outcome
something present in a small quantity; a hint
an element of truth in what they say
the part of an electric device, e.g. a heater or kettle, that contains the heating wire through which an electric current passes
any of the four substances, air, water, fire, and earth, formerly believed to compose the physical universe
an ideal or suitable state or environment
in one's element
(in pl) forces of nature, esp violent or severe weather
were exposed to the elements
(in pl) the bread and wine used in Communion
a constituent member of a mathematical set or matrix