element

(noun) an abstract part of something. Synonyms: component, constituent, factor, ingredient. Examples: "Jealousy was a component of his character." "Two constituents of a musical composition are melody and harmony." "The grammatical elements of a sentence." "A key factor in her success." "Humor: an effective ingredient of a speech."

(noun) an artifact that is one of the individual parts of which a composite entity is made up; especially a part that can be separated from or attached to a system. Synonyms: component, constituent. Examples: "Spare components for cars." "A component or constituent element of a system."

(noun) any of the more than 100 known substances (of which 92 occur naturally) that cannot be separated into simpler substances and that singly or in combination constitute all matter. Synonyms: chemical element.

(noun) the most favorable environment for a plant or animal. Example: "Water is the element of fishes."

(noun) one of four substances thought in ancient and medieval cosmology to constitute the physical universe. Example: "The alchemists believed that there were four elements."

(noun) the situation in which you are happiest and most effective. Example: "In your element."

(noun) a straight line that generates a cylinder or cone.