element/ˋɛləmənt; ˈeləmənt or ˈelImənt/n [C] 1 a simple chemical substance that consists of only one kind of atom [→ compound] 元素2 element of surprise/truth/risk/doubt etc a small amount of surprise etc 少许吃惊/真实/危险/怀疑等: There's an element of risk in every sport. 每项运动都有点风险。3 one part or feature of something 要素﹔基本部分: Speed is an important element of the game. 速度是这项运动的要素。4 a group of people who are part of a larger group〔团体里的〕一伙人﹐一帮人: communist elements in the party 党内的共产党分子5 the elements [plural 复数] the weather, especially bad weather〔尤指恶劣的〕天气: A cave provided shelter from the elements. 一个山洞成了躲避风雨的地方。6 the part of a piece of electrical equipment that produces heat 电热元件