element element /ˈɛləmənt/

noun

1. () An abstract part of something  ( constituent , ingredient , factor , component , element )
   an abstract part of something
    Jealousy was a component of his character
   jealousy was a component of his character
    Two constituents of a musical composition are melody and harmony
   two constituents of a musical composition are melody and harmony
    The grammatical elements of a sentence
   the grammatical elements of a sentence
    A key factor in her success
   a key factor in her success
    Humor: an effective ingredient of a speech
   humor: an effective ingredient of a speech
   
2. () An artifact that is one of the individual parts of which a composite entity is made up; especially a part that can be separated from or attached to a system  ( component , constituent , element )
   an artifact that is one of the individual parts of which a composite entity is made up; especially a part that can be separated from or attached to a system
    Spare components for cars
   spare components for cars
    A component or constituent element of a system
   a component or constituent element of a system
   
3. () Any of the more than 100 known substances (of which 92 occur naturally) that cannot be separated into simpler substances and that singly or in combination constitute all matter  ( chemical element , element )
   any of the more than 100 known substances (of which 92 occur naturally) that cannot be separated into simpler substances and that singly or in combination constitute all matter
    Water is composed of the elements hydrogen and oxygen.
   Water is composed of the elements hydrogen and oxygen.
   
   
4. () The most favorable environment for a plant or animal  ( element )
   the most favorable environment for a plant or animal
    Water is the element of fishes
   water is the element of fishes
   
5. A straight line that generates a cylinder or cone  ( element )
   a straight line that generates a cylinder or cone
   
6. The situation in which you are happiest and most effective  ( element )
   the situation in which you are happiest and most effective
    In your element
   in your element
   
7. One of four substances thought in ancient and medieval cosmology to constitute the physical universe  ( element )
   one of four substances thought in ancient and medieval cosmology to constitute the physical universe
    The alchemists believed that there were four elements
   the alchemists believed that there were four elements