element

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   One of the parts that together make up a whole.

   Trust is an important element of any good relationship.

2. 2
   noun

   A small amount or trace of a quality or feeling.

   There was an element of doubt in her voice.

3. 3
   noun

   A basic chemical substance that cannot be broken down into anything simpler, such as gold, oxygen, or hydrogen.

   Oxygen is one of the most common elements on Earth.

4. 4
   noun

   The situation or activity in which someone feels happiest and works best.

   She is in her element when she is teaching children.

From Middle English element, from Old French element, from Latin elementum (“a first principle, element, rudiment”) (see further etymology there). The verb is from Middle English elementen, from the noun.

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