/ ˌelɪˈmentl; NAmE / adjective [ usually before noun ] ( formal )
1.
wild and powerful; like the forces of nature :
the elemental fury of the storm
2.
basic and important :
an elemental truth
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WORD ORIGIN
late 15th cent.: from medieval Latin elementalis , from elementum principle, rudiment, translating Greek stoikheion step, component part.