n.
       - a basic constituent part. ▸an aspect: ![]()  an element of danger. 
▸a group of a particular kind within a larger group: ![]()  right-wing elements. 
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(also chemical element)
 each of more than one hundred substances that cannot be chemically interconverted or broken down, each consisting of atoms with a particular atomic number.
- any of the four substances (earth, water, air, and fire) regarded as the fundamental constituents of the world in ancient and medieval philosophy.
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(the elements)
 bad weather.
- one's natural or preferred environment:![]()  she was in her element. 
- a part in an electric device consisting of a wire through which an electric current is passed to provide heat.
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(elements)
 (in church use) the bread and wine of the Eucharist.
Etymology
  ME: via OFr. from L. elementum ‘principle, rudiment’.