n. That of which anything is in part compounded, which exists in it, and which is itself not decomposable into parts of different kinds; a fundamental or ultimate part or principle; hence, in general, any component part; any constituent part or principle.n. Specifically— An ingredient, especially of the temperament.n. plural The rudimentary principles of any science: as, Euclid's “Elements” (Gr. στοιχει%148α), a work setting forth in an orderly and logical way the simple and fundamental propositions of geometry.n. In geometry, one of the points, lines, or planes, or other geometrical forms, by which a figure or geometrical construction is made up. “Space may be considered as a geometrical figure whose elements are either points or planes. Taking the points as elements, the straight lines of space are so many ranges, and the planes of space so many planes of points. If, on the other hand, the planes are considered as elements, the straight lines of space are the axes of so many axial pencils, and points of space are centers of so many sheaves of planes” (Cremona, Geom., tr. by Leuesdorff, § 31).n. In mathematics, one of a number of objects arranged in a symmetrical or regular figure. The elements of a determinant are the quantities arranged in a square block or matrix, the sum of whose products forms the determinant.n. In astronomy, one of the quantities necessary to be known in calculating the place of a planet (perhaps because the planets were called elements). They are six, namely, the longitude of the ascending node, the inclination of the orbit to the ecliptic, the longitude of the perihelion, the mean distance from the sun, the mean longitude at any epoch, and the eccentricity.n. A datum required for the solution of any problem.n. plural The bread and wine used in the eucharist: distinctively called communion elements.n. In biology, one of the primary or embryological parts composing the body of an animal, or of the pieces which have united to form any part. Thus, the thorax of an insect is composed of three principal elements or rings, the epicranium is formed of several elements or pieces which are soldered together, etc.n. In electricity, a voltaic cell. See cell.n. One of the four things, fire, water, earth, and air (to which ether was added as a fifth element), falsely regarded by the ancients as the constituents of which all things are composed.n. A kind of matter undecomposable into other kinds.n. There are a number of other bodies which have been named as elements (as phillipium, norwegium, etc.), whose properties have, however, not yet been sufficiently investigated and defined to warrant their inclusion in the list.n. The proper or natural environment of anything; that in which something exists; hence, the sphere of experience of a person; the class of persons with whom one naturally associates, or the sphere of life with which one is familiar: as, he is out of his element.To compound of elements or first principles.To constitute; form from elements; compose; enter into the constitution of.n. n.
