element

1a : any of the four substances air, water, fire, and earth formerly believed to compose the physical universe

b elements plural : weather conditions especially : violent or severe weather battling the elements

c : the state or sphere natural or suited to a person or thing at school she was in her element

2 : a constituent part: such as

a elements plural : the simplest principles of a subject of study : rudiments

b(1) : a part of a geometric magnitude an infinitesimal element of volume

(2) : a generator of a geometric figure also : a line or line segment contained in the surface of a cone or cylinder

(3) : a basic member of a mathematical or logical class or set

(4) : one of the individual entries in a mathematical matrix or determinant

c : a distinct group within a larger group or community the criminal element in the city

d(1) : one of the necessary data or values on which calculations or conclusions are based

(2) : one of the factors determining the outcome of a process

e : any of the fundamental substances that consist of atoms of only one kind and that singly or in combination constitute all matter

f : a distinct part of a composite device

g : a subdivision of a military unit

3 elements plural : the bread and wine used in the Eucharist

Definition of element