element
n
1 [C] ~ (in/of sth) necessary or characteristic part of sth 要素; 特色
Justice is an important element of good government. 公正是仁政的要素.
What a sensational story! It has all the elements of a soap opera. 多麼聳人聽聞的事! 具備連續劇的一切要素.
2 [C usu sing 通常作單數]
~ of sth small amount of sth; suggestion or trace of sth 某事物的少量; 某事物的啟示或痕跡
There's an element of truth in his story. 他說的有些道理.
There's always an element of danger in mountain climbing. 登山總是有些危險的.
3 [C] (chemistry 化) any of about 100 substances which cannot be split by ordinary chemical methods into simpler substances 元素
Water is composed of the elements hydrogen and oxygen. 水是由氫元素和氧元素組成的. Cf 參看 compound1 1, mixture 3.
4 [C] (according to ancient and medieval philosophers) any of the four substances, earth, air, fire and water, from which the universe was believed to be composed 要素(據古代和中世紀哲學家的觀點, 認為構成宇宙的土、 空氣、 火、 水四種物質其中之一).
5 the elements [pl]
(fml 文) forces of nature, the weather, etc (esp bad weather) 自然力, 天氣等(尤指壞天氣)
exposed to (the fury of) the elements 經受風吹雨打.
6 [C usu sing 通常作單數]
natural or suitable environment or habitat 自然的或合適的環境或棲息地
Water is a fish's natural element. 水是魚的自然棲息地.
7 elements [pl]
basic principles of a subject being studied; parts that must be learnt first (學科的)基本原則; 原理; 基礎
You must understand the elements of mathematics before we can proceed further. 你必須先弄懂數學基礎知識, 我們才能進一步學習.
8 [C] part of an electric kettle, etc that gives out heat 電阻絲(電 等供熱的部分)
This heater needs a new element. 這個加熱器需要一組新電阻絲.
9 (idm 習語) in/out of one's `element in/not in one's accustomed or preferred surroundings; doing/not doing what one is good at and enjoys 在[不在]某人習慣或喜歡的環境中; 做[不做]某人擅長和喜歡的事
I'm out of my element in political discussions. 我不喜歡參加政治討論.
The children are really in their element playing on the beach. 孩子們在沙灘上嬉戲真是樂得其所.