元素
Meanings
2
classical element
Refers to the four or five classical elements (earth, water, air, fire, and sometimes void/aether) in ancient and medieval philosophy.
In ancient Greece, it was thought that all things were composed of four elements.
3
archaic
Archaic use; in modern Japanese, 起源 or 根源 are more common for this meaning.
In old texts, 元素 can refer to the origin of all things.
Usage patterns
- 〈物〉を元素に分解するto break a substance down into its elements
When water is electrolyzed, it can be broken down into the elements oxygen and hydrogen.
- 元素が結合するelements bond/combine together
Two elements bond together to form a new compound.
- 新しい元素を発見するto discover a new element
The scientists discovered a new element.
- 元素の周期表the periodic table of elements
We were made to memorize the periodic table of elements at school.