element

component, constituent, element, ingredient

这些名词均含“组成、成分、部分”之意。
component: 指一个整体的组成部分。
constituent: 常可与component换用，指某一整体不可少的部分或成分。
element: 指一个整体必不可少或固有的部分，强调一个复杂整体中最基本、最简单的元件、元素或成分等。
ingredient: 普通用词，含义笼统。既可指混在一起而本身没有变化的物质，如配料，又可指与别的物质混在一起，发生了变化的成分。

名词 element:

1. an abstract part of something
   同义词：component, constituent, factor, ingredient
2. 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
   同义词：chemical element
3. 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
   同义词：component, constituent
4. one of four substances thought in ancient and medieval cosmology to constitute the physical universe
5. the most favorable environment for a plant or animal
6. the situation in which you are happiest and most effective
7. a straight line that generates a cylinder or cone

1. There's an element of truth in his story.
   他说的有些道理。
2. The children are really in their element playing on the beach.
   孩子们在沙滩上嬉戏真是乐得其所。
3. I'm out of my element in political discussions.
   我不喜欢参加政治讨论。
4. This heater needs a new element.
   这个加热器需要一组新电阻丝。
5. Water is composed of the elements hydrogen and oxygen.
   水是由氢元素和氧元素组成的。
6. There's always an element of danger in mountain climbing.
   登山总是有些危险的。
7. You must understand the elements of mathematics before we can proceed further.
   你必须先弄懂数学基础知识，我们才能进一步学习。
8. Honesty, industry and kindness are elements of a good life.
   诚实、勤劳和善良是幸福生活的要素。

el.e.ment

n.（名词）
A fundamental, essential, or irreducible constituent of a composite entity.
元素，基本要素：一个组合整体中的基本的、最主要的、不可再缩小的组成成分
elements The basic assumptions or principles of a subject.
elements 基本原则，基本假设：某一学科的基本假设或基本原理
Mathematics
【数学】
A member of a set.
集合里的一项
A point, line, or plane.
点：一点，一条线或一个平面
A part of a geometric configuration, such as an angle in a triangle.
三角形的一个角：几何形状的一部分，例如一个三角形中的一个角
The generatrix of a geometric figure.
几何形状的母量
Any of the terms in the rectangular array of terms that constitute a matrix or determinant.
行列中的一项：长方形排列术语中的阵成行列式
Chemistry Physics A substance composed of atoms having an identical number of protons in each nucleus. Elements cannot be reduced to simpler substances by normal chemical means.
【化学】 【物理学】 元素：元素，由原子组成的物质，其原子中的每一核子具有同样数量的中子、用一般的化学方法不能使之变得更为简单的物质的元素
One of four substances, earth, air, fire, or water, formerly regarded as a fundamental constituent of the universe.
四行：从前被认为是构成宇宙基本要素的土、气、火、水之一
Electricity The resistance wire in an electrical appliance such as a heater or an oven.
【电学】 电阻线：元件，部件，如加热器或灶具等电气设备中的阻抗电丝
elements The forces that constitute the weather, especially severe or inclement weather:
elements 要素，自然力量：形成气候，特别是恶劣或严寒气候的自然力量：
例句：
outside paint that had been damaged by the elements.
外层的涂料被自然的力量所损坏

An environment naturally suited to or associated with an individual:
适合的环境：适合于人或事物的自然环境：
例句：
He is in his element when traveling. The business world is her element.
他最适合旅行。她在商业界得心应手

A distinct group within a larger community:
异议分子：在一个大集体中的一组突出的人：
例句：
the dissident element on campus.
校园内的持不同意见者

elements The bread and wine of the Eucharist.
elements 圣餐时用的面包和葡萄酒

来源：
Middle English
中古英语
from Old French
源自 古法语
from Latin elementum
源自 拉丁语 elementum

<参考词汇><同义词>element,component,constituent,factor,ingredientThe central meaning shared by these nouns is .one of the individual parts of which a composite entity is made up.:
这些名词共有的中心意思是.一个组合整体中的单个组成部分之一.：
例句：
the grammatical elements of a sentence;
句子中的语法成分；

例句：
jealousy, a component of his character;
妒忌是他的性格特点之一；

例句：
melody and harmony, two of the constituents of a musical composition;
主调与和谐是一首乐曲的两个组成部分；

例句：
ambition as a key factor in her success;
雄心是她取得成功的关键因素；

例句：
humor, an effective ingredient of a speech.
幽默，演讲中效果极佳的一部分。