[el.e.men.tal] adj (15c) 1 a: of, relating to, or being an element; specif: existing as an uncombined chemical element b (1): of, relating to, or being the basic or essential constituent of something: fundamental "~ biological needs" (2): simple, uncomplicated "~ food" c: of, relating to, or dealing with the rudiments of something: elementary "taught ~ crafts to the children" d: forming an integral part: inherent "an ~ sense of rhythm"
2: of, relating to, or resembling a great force of nature "the rains come with ~ violence" "~ passions" -- elemental n -- el.e.men.tal.ly adv