ELEMENT Meaning and
Definition
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Element (noun):
1. A fundamental or essential constituent of a whole that cannot be broken down or further simplified without altering its fundamental nature. It is a basic building block that combines and interacts with other elements to form compounds or substances. Elements are represented by chemical symbols and are organized in the periodic table according to their atomic number, protons, and electrons. They possess characteristic physical and chemical properties that differentiate them from other elements.
2. In the context of natural sciences, an element refers to a physical substance or matter that is considered as the simplest form and cannot be further broken down by physical or chemical means. It is often associated with specific properties such as atomic structure, density, melting point, and chemical reactivity.
3. In mathematics, an element is an individual member of a set or collection. It is a distinct entity that exists within a given set, contributing to the overall properties and relationships within that set.
4. In philosophy and culture, an element denotes a primal, fundamental, or foundational component of a certain concept, idea, or belief system. It may symbolize an essential aspect or fundamental principle of a particular ideology, theory, or system of thought.
Overall, an element represents an indivisible unit or basic component that contributes to the composition and understanding of a whole, be it in science, mathematics, or philosophical contexts.
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1. A simple substance, one which is incapable of being split up into other substances. 2. A cell or other indivisible anatomical structure. 3. Earth, air, fire, or water, formerly regarded as the principles of which all matter was composed.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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• A simple substance; the first or constitnent principle of anything; an ingredient or constituent part; the proper sphere or state of anything.
• The first rules or principles of any branch of knowledge; rudiments; data; an outline or sketch; the bread and wine used in the Eucharist or Lord's Supper.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for ELEMENT *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for ELEMENT
Etymology of ELEMENT
The word "element" comes from the Latin term "elementum", which is derived from the Proto-Indo-European root "elemo-" meaning "to melt", "to burn", or "to glow". In Latin, "elementum" initially referred to a first principle or basic constituent. It later developed broader meanings, including parts or divisions of the natural world, such as earth, air, fire, and water. These four elements were considered the fundamental components of all matter in ancient Greek philosophy and were adopted into Latin terminology. Over time, the word "element" came to refer to any fundamental or essential part of a subject or system, both in its physical and abstract senses.
Idioms with the word ELEMENT
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be in your element
The definition of the idiom "be in your element" is to be in a situation or environment that one is particularly suited for or comfortable in. It refers to a state where a person feels confident, natural, and able to perform at their best.
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be out of your element
To be out of one's element means to be in a situation where one is not familiar, comfortable, or skilled. It often implies feeling awkward, incompetent, or out of place in a particular environment or context.
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in your element
The idiom "in your element" means to be in a situation or environment where one feels comfortable, confident, and capable of performing at their best. It implies that an individual is in their preferred or natural habitat or doing something they are highly skilled or passionate about.
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in one's element
The idiom "in one's element" means to be in a situation or environment where one feels most comfortable, confident, and capable. It refers to a person's natural or preferred surroundings, activities, or expertise.
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be in (one's) element
The idiom "be in (one's) element" means to be in a situation or environment that one feels comfortable, confident, and capable in. It refers to a state where someone is being their best and most authentic self, often excelling or enjoying themselves immensely.
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element of surprise
The idiom "element of surprise" refers to the unexpectedness or unpredictability of an event, tactic, or action that catches someone off guard or causes shock or amazement. It often entails surprising someone in a way that gives the person initiating the surprise an advantage or strategic edge.
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be out of (one's) element
The idiom "be out of (one's) element" means to be in a situation or environment where one feels uncomfortable, unfamiliar, or lacking in confidence or expertise. It refers to being outside of one's usual or preferred surroundings or circumstances.
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in (or out of) your element
The idiom "in (or out of) your element" refers to being comfortable and confident (in your element) or feeling uncomfortable and not performing well (out of your element) in a particular situation or environment.
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*out of one's element
Similar spelling words for ELEMENT
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