element
noun uk/ˈel.ɪ.mənt/ us/ˈel.ə.mənt/
(PART)
B2 [ C ]部分;部件;要素
a part of something
List the elements that make up a perfect dinner party. 列举出尽善尽美的晚宴所有的构成要素。
The movie had all the elements of a good thriller. 这部电影具备了一部精彩的惊险片的一切要素。
We weren't even taught the elements of (= basic information about) physics at school. 学校连基本的物理知识都没有教给我们。
- More examples
- subversive elements in society
- All these different political elements have somehow been yoked together to form a new alliance.
- They've introduced all sorts of new elements to that programme in order to broaden its appeal.
- Reactionary elements in the industry are preventing its progress towards greater efficiency.
- The television adverts were, of course, an important element of the campaign.
(AMOUNT)
an element of somethingC2 少量；有点儿，有些
a small amount of an emotion or quality
There was certainly an element of truth in what she said. 她说的话当然也有些是真的。
Don't you think there's an element of jealousy in all of this? 你不觉得所有这一切都是妒嫉在隐隐作祟?
We walked quietly up to the door to preserve the element of surprise. 我们轻手轻脚地走近门口，想制造一个惊喜。
(SIMPLE SUBSTANCE)
B2 [ C ]元素
a simple substance that cannot be reduced to smaller chemical parts
Aluminium is an element. 铝是一种元素。
(EARTH, AIR, ETC.)
[ C ]四大元素（旧时人们认为构成一切事物的土、风、火、水）
earth, air, fire, and water from which people in the past believed everything else was made
(WEATHER)
the elements [ plural ] 天气，（通常指）恶劣天气
the weather, usually bad weather
We decided to brave the elements and go for a walk (= go for a walk despite the bad weather). 我们决定顶风冒雨去散步。
The stranded campers were left battling the elements on the mountain.
Naples is a fragile city, at constant risk from the elements.
I didn't want to expose my equipment to the elements.
The generators are housed in waterproof enclosures in order to withstand the elements.
(ELECTRICAL PART)
[ C ]电热原件;电热丝
the part of an electrical device that produces heat
a heating element 电热元件
The kettle needs a new element. 电水壶该换新的电热丝了。
[ C, C ] (UK usually ring)圆形灶盘，火圈
a circular piece of material often made of metal that can be heated in order to be used for cooking
a gas element 煤气灶
an electric element 电热灶火圈
Idioms
be in your elementidiom 适得其所；得心应手
to be happy because you are doing what you like or can do best
Kate, of course, was in her element, making all the arrangements. 凯特安排这一切当然是得心应手。
be out of your elementidiom 不得其所；不适应
to be unhappy and feel uncomfortable in a particular situation