elements

el-e-ments · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    Plural of element; the parts or components that make up something.

  2. 2.

    (the elements) The forces of nature, especially weather conditions.

  3. 3.

    (chemistry) The basic chemical substances, of which there are currently 118 known.

  4. 4.

    (historical) In ancient philosophy, the four substances (earth, water, air, fire) believed to constitute all matter.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    brave the elements — to go out in bad weather
  • •
    the four elements — earth, water, fire, and air
  • •
    exposed to the elements — unprotected from the weather

Related words

See also: component, element, elementary, weather
Synonyms: components, constituents, factors, parts

Etymology

From Latin elementum (plural elementa), meaning "first principle" or "rudiment." The use of "elements" to refer to weather conditions dates from the 16th century.