element

element is a Noun

Definition:

[1] One of the simplest or essential parts or principles of which anything consists, or upon which the constitution or fundamental powers of anything are based.

[2] One of the ultimate, undecomposable constituents of any kind of matter. Specifically: (Chem.) A substance which cannot be decomposed into different kinds of matter by any means at present employed; as, the elements of water are oxygen and hydrogen.

[3] One of the ultimate parts which are variously combined in anything; as, letters are the elements of written language; hence, also, a simple portion of that which is complex, as a shaft, lever, wheel, or any simple part in a machine; one of the essential ingredients of any mixture; a constituent part; as, quartz, feldspar, and mica are the elements of granite. The simplicity which is so large an element in a noble nature was laughed to scorn. Jowett (Thucyd.).

[4] One out of several parts combined in a system of aggregation, when each is of the nature of the whole; as, a single cell is an element of the honeycomb.

[5] One of the simplest essential parts, more commonly called cells, of which animal and vegetable organisms, or their tissues and organs, are composed.

[6] An infinitesimal part of anything of the same nature as the entire magnitude considered; as, in a solid an element may be infinitesimal portion between any two planes that are separated and indefinitely small distance. In the calculus, element is sometimes used as synonymous with differential.

[7] Sometimes a curve, or surface, or volume is considered as described by a moving point, or curve, or surface, the latter being at any instant called an element of the former.

[8] One of the terms in an algebraic expression.

[9] One of the necessary data or values upon which a system of calculations depends, or general conclusions are based; as, the elements of a planet`s orbit.

[10] The simplest or fundamental principles of any system in philosophy, science, or art; rudiments; as, the elements of geometry, or of music.

[11] Any outline or sketch, regarded as containing the fundamental ideas or features of the thing in question; as, the elemental of a plan.

[12] One of the simple substances, as supposed by the ancient philosophers; one of the imaginary principles of matter.

[13] The whole material composing the world. The elements shall melt with fervent heat. 2 Peter iii. 10.

[14] The bread and wine used in the eucharist or Lord`s supper. Magnetic element, one of the hypothetical elementary portions of which a magnet is regarded as made up.