element

part / amount 1 [C] ~ (in / of sth) a necessary or typical part of sth: Cost was a key element in our decision. * The story has all the elements of a soap opera. * Customer relations is an important element of the job. 2 [C,usually sing.] ~ of surprise, risk, truth, etc. a small amount of a quality or feeling: We need to preserve the element of surprise. * There appears to be an element of truth in his story. group of people 3 [C,usually pl.] a group of people who form a part of a larger group or society: moderate / radical elements within the party * unruly elements in the school chemistry 4 [C] a simple chemical substance that consists of atoms of only one type and cannot be split by chemical means into a simpler substance. Gold, OXYGEN and CARBON are all elements. compareCOMPOUND earth / air / fire / water 5 [C] one of the four substances: earth, air, fire and water, which people used to believe everything else was made of weather 6 (the elements) [pl.] the weather, especially bad weather: Are we going to brave the elements and go for a walk? * to be exposed to the elements basic principles 7 (elements) [pl.] the basic principles of a subject that you have to learn first: He taught me the elements of map-reading. environment 8 [C,usually sing.] a natural or suitable environment, especially for an animal: Water is a fish's natural element. electrical part 9 [C] the part of a piece of electrical equipment that gives out heat: The kettle needs a new element. IDIOMS in your element doing what you are good at and enjoy: She's really in her element at parties. out of your element in a situation that you are not used to and that makes you feel uncomfortable: I feel out of my element talking about politics.