(n.) 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.
(n.) 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.
(n.) 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.
(n.) 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.
(n.) One of the smallest natural divisions of the organism, as
a blood corpuscle, a muscular fiber.
(n.) One of the simplest essential parts, more commonly called
cells, of which animal and vegetable organisms, or their tissues and
organs, are composed.
(n.) An infinitesimal part of anything of the same nature as
the entire magnitude considered; as, in a solid an element may be the
infinitesimal portion between any two planes that are separated an
indefinitely small distance. In the calculus, element is sometimes used
as synonymous with differential.
(n.) 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.
(n.) One of the terms in an algebraic expression.
(n.) 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.
(n.) The simplest or fundamental principles of any system in
philosophy, science, or art; rudiments; as, the elements of geometry,
or of music.
(n.) Any outline or sketch, regarded as containing the
fundamental ideas or features of the thing in question; as, the
elements of a plan.
(n.) One of the simple substances, as supposed by the ancient
philosophers; one of the imaginary principles of matter.
(n.) The four elements were, air, earth, water, and fire
(n.) the conditions and movements of the air.
(n.) The elements of the alchemists were salt, sulphur, and
mercury.
(n.) The whole material composing the world.
(n.) The bread and wine used in the eucharist or Lord's supper.
(v. t.) To compound of elements or first principles.
(v. t.) To constitute; to make up with elements.
