elemental

[el-uh-men-tl] /ˌɛl əˈmɛn tl/

adjective

of the nature of an ultimate constituent; simple; uncompounded.

pertaining to rudiments or first principles.

starkly simple, primitive, or basic:

a spare, elemental prose style; hate, lust, and other elemental emotions.

pertaining to the agencies, forces, or phenomena of physical nature:

elemental gods.

comparable to the great forces of nature, as in power or magnitude:

elemental grandeur.

of, pertaining to, or of the nature of the four elements, earth, water, air, and fire, or of any one of them.

pertaining to chemical elements.

Origin

1485-95; < Medieval Latin elementālis. See element, -al¹

Related forms

elementally, adverb

nonelemental, adjective

nonelementally, adverb

postelemental, adjective

preelemental, adjective

subelemental, adjective

subelementally, adverb

transelemental, adjective

unelemental, adjective

unelementally, adverb

Can be confused

elemental, elementary.

Examples from the web for elemental

It fails the elemental test of any proposed solution, which is to fulfill both sides' basic needs.
When this elemental sulfur is burned in the air, it forms sulfur dioxide.
Only he has discovered another, more elemental way to explore it.
But with whales, people are also attracted by the elemental difference between them and us.
It is disappointing, then, to note the paucity of literature on one elemental experience: disappointment.
Sustainability is first of all an emotional summons-one that combines elemental fears with hopes of salvation.
We know, for instance, that minerals and the elemental substances can be thus arranged.
Adding to the variety are elemental powers such as fire, electricity and corrosion that pack an extra punch.
Or you might summon elemental creatures or engage in boss fights.
When selecting an iron supplement, it is important to look at the amount of elemental iron.

British Dictionary definitions for elemental

elemental

/ˌɛlɪˈmɛntəl/

adjective

fundamental; basic; primal: the elemental needs of man

motivated by or symbolic of primitive and powerful natural forces or passions: elemental rites of worship

of or relating to earth, air, water, and fire considered as elements

of or relating to atmospheric forces, esp wind, rain, and cold

of, relating to, or denoting a chemical element

noun

(rare) a spirit or force that is said to appear in physical form

Derived Forms

elementally, adverb
elementalism, noun

Word Origin and History for elemental

adj.

late 15c., "pertaining to the four elements," from Medieval Latin elementalis, from Latin elementum (see element). Meaning "simple, uncomplicated" is from 1550s; that of "relating to first principles" is from 1570s. The noun in the occult sense is from 1877.