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élément

element, component

noun eh-leh-MAHN Less Common

Origin: Latin elementum (first principle)

Usage Note

Élément is broad: a chemical element (l'élément hydrogène), a component of a system, or a person's natural environment (être dans son élément = to be in one's element). The plural éléments can refer to the elements (weather, nature) or to basic facts of a subject.

Examples

"L'eau est un élément essentiel à la vie."

Natural Translation

Water is an essential element for life.

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