One of the terms in an algebraic expression.

One of the necessary data or values upon which a system of
calculations depends, or general conclusions are based; as, the
elements of a planet’s orbit.

One of the smallest natural divisions of the organism, as
a blood corpuscle, a muscular fiber.

Sometimes a curve, or surface, or volume is considered as
described by a moving point, or curve, or surface, the latter being at
any instant called an element of the former.

One of the simplest essential parts, more commonly called
cells, of which animal and vegetable organisms, or their tissues and
organs, are composed.

One out of several parts combined in a system of
aggregation, when each is of the nature of the whole; as, a single cell
is an element of the honeycomb.

One of the ultimate, undecomposable constituents of any
kind of matter. Specifically: (Chem.) A substance which cannot be
decomposed into different kinds of matter by any means at present
employed; as, the elements of water are oxygen and hydrogen.

One of the simplest or essential parts or principles of
which anything consists, or upon which the constitution or fundamental
powers of anything are based.

One of the ultimate parts which are variously combined in
anything; as, letters are the elements of written language; hence,
also, a simple portion of that which is complex, as a shaft, lever,
wheel, or any simple part in a machine; one of the essential
ingredients of any mixture; a constituent part; as, quartz, feldspar,
and mica are the elements of granite.

An infinitesimal part of anything of the same nature as
the entire magnitude considered; as, in a solid an element may be the
infinitesimal portion between any two planes that are separated an
indefinitely small distance. In the calculus, element is sometimes used
as synonymous with differential.