Meaning
元素 refers to a basic or fundamental component that makes up something larger. In chemistry, it specifically means a chemical element (like oxygen or gold). More broadly, it can refer to any essential factor or ingredient in a system, composition, or situation.
Usage
Commonly used in scientific contexts, especially chemistry and physics, but also appears in everyday language when discussing essential components of art, culture, design, or any complex system. Often paired with modifiers like 化学元素 (chemical element) or 文化元素 (cultural element).
Examples
- 01氧是一种重要的化学元素。.Oxygen is an important chemical element.
- 02这部电影融合了很多中国传统文化元素。.This film incorporates many traditional Chinese cultural elements.
Characters
Measure words
- 种一种元素
- 个一个元素
Common collocations
- 化学元素chemical element
- 文化元素cultural element
- 基本元素basic element
- 元素周期表periodic table of elements
Antonyms
Origin
The word combines 元 (primary/fundamental) with 素 (basic constituent), creating a term meaning 'fundamental constituent.' It was adopted in modern Chinese to translate the Western scientific concept of 'element' during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.