adj.
Pronunciation: ˌ e-l ə - ' men-t ə l
Function: adjective
Date: 15th century
1 a : of, relating to, or being an element specifically : existing as an uncombined chemical element b (1) : of, relating to, or being the basic or essential constituent of something : FUNDAMENTAL < elemental biological needs> (2) : SIMPLE , UNCOMPLICATED < elemental food> c : of, relating to, or dealing with the rudiments of something : ELEMENTARY <taught elemental crafts to the children> d : forming an integral part : INHERENT <an elemental sense of rhythm>
2 : of, relating to, or resembling a great force of nature <the rains come with elemental violence> < elemental passions>
– elemental noun
– el · e · men · tal · ly \ -t ə l- ē \ adverb