English Lexicon

Element

/ˈɛl.ɪ.mənt/
nounCEFR B1 (Intermediate)Top #450 frequency
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Comprehensive Definitions & Senses

2 senses
As noun
  1. 1

    A fundamental or essential part or component of something.

    "Water is an essential element for all known forms of life."
  2. 2

    Any of the four substances (earth, air, fire, and water) that were once thought to make up the physical universe.

    "In ancient philosophy, fire was considered one of the four classical elements."

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Antonyms & Contrasting Words (1)

Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology

Derived from Old French element, from Latin elementum meaning 'rudiment' or 'first principle', possibly originating from the names of the letters L, M, N (el-em-en). Historically used in ancient philosophy to describe the foundational components of the physical world (earth, water, air, fire), evolving in modern science to denote fundamental chemical substances.

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