c. 1300, "earth, air, fire, or water; one of the four things regarded by the ancients as the constituents of all things," from Old French element (10c.), from Latin elementem "rudiment, first principle, matter in its most basic form" (translating Greek stoikheion), origin and original sense unknown. Meaning "simplest component of a complex substance" is late 14c. Modern sense in chemistry is from 1813, but is not essentially different from the ancient one. Meaning "proper or natural environment of anything" is from 1590s, from the old notion that each class of living beings had its natural abode in one of the four elements. Elements "atmospheric force" is 1550s.
例文
1. In order to make it safe，the element is electrically insulated.
安全のために、この素子は電気絶縁処理を行った。
2.There is an element of exhibitionism in the parents 'performance too.
その親の表現も少しでしゃばりがちに見える。
3.With its unique heating element it makes perfect coffee.
独自の電熱素子により、非常においしいコーヒーを沸かすことができます。
4.You will probably notice an element of quirkiness in his behaviour.
彼の行動が少し変わっていることに気づくかもしれません。
5.The chronological sequence gives the book an element of structure.