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.
权威例句
1. In order to make it safe, the element is electrically insulated.
为安全起见,该元件作了电绝缘处理。
2. There is an element of exhibitionism in the parents' performance too.
那对父母的表现也显得有些爱出风头。
3. With its unique heating element it makes perfect coffee.
其独特的电热元件使它能够煮出非常美味的咖啡。
4. You will probably notice an element of quirkiness in his behaviour.
你可能会发现他的行为有点怪异。
5. The chronological sequence gives the book an element of structure.
【element, component, ingredient, factor】
这组词都有“组成成分”的意思,其区别是:
element: n.元素;组成部分,方面;某特定类型的人或群体,分子。
• The elements hydrogen and oxygen combine to form water. 氢元素和氧元素构成了水。
• He belongs to a bad element in this city. 他属于这个城市的坏分子。
component: n.零部件;(某事物的)组成部分;成分。
• Tires, the engine, the body, and the seats are component of a car. 轮胎,引擎,车身以及坐椅都是一辆汽车的零部件。
ingredient: n.原料,成分,要素。
• Flour, milk, butter and yeast are some ingredients in bread. 面粉、牛奶、黄油和酵母是做面包的一些原料。
factor: n.因素,要素,侧重指原因。
• Endurance is an important factor in success in sports. 耐力是体育比赛成功的一个重要因素。