plural noun
Basic parts of something larger, such as machines, plans, or designs.
The camera and alarm are important elements of the security system.
The plan includes several key elements.
American English
How to pronounce elements
nounB1Very common word
EHluhmnts
/ˈɛ.lə.mn̩ts/
3 syllables · Stress the first syllable.
Form of element
Basic parts of something larger, such as machines, plans, or designs.
Practice out loudMeanings & examples
plural noun
Basic substances made of only one kind of atom, such as oxygen or gold.
The periodic table contains all the known elements.
Chemical elements are the building blocks of matter.
plural noun
Parts or qualities that help create a situation or result.
The story has all the elements of a good mystery.
Several elements contributed to the team's success.
plural noun
Individual items in a set, list, or group, especially in mathematics or computing.
The program checks all the elements in the array.
The list contains twenty elements.
Useful expressions
Doing something that you are very good at and enjoy.
Maria is in her element when she is teaching.
The forces of nature, especially bad weather.
The hikers were exposed to the elements.
Something unexpected that makes an event more exciting or effective.
The party had an element of surprise.