Element (noun)

1. Each of the four substances air, water, fire, and earth formerly believed to compose the physical universe.
2. A component or constituent of a whole, especially an irreducible one.
3. A basic principle or essential quality.
4. A person or thing with a specified characteristic.
5. An individual feature or aspect of something.

Origin:

Late middle english: via old french from latin elementum, from e- (variant of ex- "out of") + lignum "wood, matter".

Examples:

1. The ancient Greek philosophers believed that the universe was made up of four elements: earth, air, fire and water.
2. The periodic table is a tabular arrangement of the chemical elements, organized on the basis of their atomic number, electron configurations, and chemical properties.
3. The elements of good storytelling are a well-developed plot, interesting characters and a strong sense of conflict.
4. The elements of a healthy diet are protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals.
5. The element of surprise is often key in making a joke funny.