elements

Everyday

1. Parts or features that make up something: «the elements of a story». tree →
2. (science) Pure substances made of one kind of atom each, such as hydrogen and carbon. tree →
3. «The elements»: the weather, especially wind, rain and cold. tree →
4. The basic, simple first parts of a subject: «the elements of grammar». tree →
5. (formal) Groups of people within a larger group: «rowdy elements in the crowd». tree →

In the lessons

In English lessons, «the elements of a story» are characters, setting, plot and problem. In science, the periodic table lists all known elements. In stories and safety, «exposed to the elements» means out in harsh weather without shelter. Phrases: «the elements», «exposed to the elements», «the elements of», «braving the elements».

Examples

• Hydrogen and oxygen are elements. tree →
• The elements of a good story include a hook and an ending. tree →
• The shed protected the bikes from the elements. tree →
• We learned the basic elements of drawing. tree →
• The climbers were exposed to the elements all night. tree →
• (formal) Police watched certain elements in the crowd. tree →
• There are many elements of difference; but the plainest is plain enough. tree →

Note

Plural of «element». «The elements» with «the» usually means the weather. In maths, a set with 5 elements has 5 different members.

In Jewish tradition

Interpretation: The Sefer Yetzirah says that air, water and fire came forth in order, and the letters mix these elements to form the world. Later Jewish thinkers also saw the four elements as linked to the four letters of God's name. In the primary lessons: In English lessons, «the elements of a story» are characters, setting, plot and problem. In science, the periodic table lists all known elements. In stories and safety, «exposed to the elements» means out in harsh weather without shelter. Phrases: «the elements», «exposed to the elements», «the elements of», «braving the elements».

Examples

• 30) Namely, with the two other elements. (Sefer Yetzirah, Kalisch 1877) tree →
• 31 That is to say a different combination of the elements. (Sefer Yetzirah, Kalisch 1877) tree →
• Note the order in which the primordial elements • were produced. (Sefer Yetzirah, Westcott 1893) tree →

Note

Plural of «element». «The elements» with «the» usually means the weather. In maths, a set with 5 elements has 5 different members.