elemental
/(ˌ)ɛləˈmɛntəl/ adjective, noun
Forms elementals
- adjective (chemistry) Of, relating to, or being an element (as opposed to a compound).
- adjective Basic, fundamental or elementary.
- adjective Of the ancient supposed elements of earth, air, fire and water.
- adjective (by extension) Of, or relating to a force of nature, especially to severe atmospheric conditions.
- adjective (figuratively) Comparable to a force of nature; sudden and unpredictable.
- noun (mysticism, fantasy) A creature (usually a spirit) that is attuned with, or composed of, one of the classical elements: air, earth, fire and water or variations of them like ice, lightning, etc. They sometimes have unique proper names and sometimes are referred to as Air, Earth, Fire, or Water.
Synonyms
Etymology
From Middle English elementall, from Medieval Latin elementālis; compare Old French elementel. By surface analysis, element + -al.
Webster’s 1913
- adjective Pertaining to the elements, first principles, and primary ingredients, or to the four supposed elements of the material world; as, elemental air. "Elemental strife." Pope.
- adjective Pertaining to rudiments or first principles; rudimentary; elementary. "The elemental rules of erudition." Cawthorn.
Sources: Wiktionary · WordNet 3.0 · Webster’s 1913 — from the Wiktionary entry “elemental”, CC BY-SA 4.0. Details