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Definition of "element" []

  • A fundamental, essential, or irreducible constituent of a composite entity. (noun)
  • The basic assumptions or principles of a subject. (noun)
  • Mathematics A member of a set. (noun)
  • Mathematics A point, line, or plane. (noun)
  • Mathematics A part of a geometric configuration, such as an angle in a triangle. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Use "element" in a sentence
  • "Just as one element of the dream leads to associations with several dream thoughts, so, as a rule, the _one dream thought represents more than one dream element_."
  • "1The element A may be either a complete and independent word (sing) or the fundamental substance, the so-called root or stem2 or “radical element” (sing -) of a word."
  • "When a main element is dependence on a unilaterally declared temporary cease-fire by one of the key violent actors on the scene – which has not been defeated and which can rescind the cease-fire at any time – how can it be termed a “success”, nevermind a “victory”?"