Elements

Part of Speech

Noun (plural)

Pronunciation

British: /ˈɛlɪmənts/ | American: /ˈɛləmənts/

Definitions

• Basic or fundamental parts of a whole.
• Substances consisting of atoms with the same number of protons, classified in the periodic table.
• Weather conditions, especially those that are severe or extreme.
• Essential principles or rudiments of a subject.

Usage Examples

• The elements of a good story include strong characters and a compelling plot.
• Gold, oxygen, and carbon are examples of chemical elements.
• He braved the elements during his hike in the mountains.
• She learned the basic elements of mathematics in school.

Etymology

From Latin "elementum" meaning "rudimentary principle" or "fundamental part."

Synonyms

• Components
• Constituents
• Factors
• Parts

Antonyms

• Whole
• Composite
• Aggregate

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• British English: /ˈɛlɪmənts/
• American English: /ˈɛləmənts/
• Australian English: /ˈɛləments/

Historical Usage

The term "elements" has been used since antiquity to describe both physical substances and fundamental aspects of various disciplines.

Cultural Nuances

In different cultures, "elements" may refer to the classical four elements (earth, water, air, fire) or the fundamental building blocks of nature in scientific contexts.

More Information

The concept of elements has evolved from ancient Greek philosophy to modern chemistry, where it refers to atomic substances in the periodic table.