element

Noun
(plural elements)

1. One of the simplest or essential parts or principles of which anything consists, or upon which the constitution or fundamental powers of anything are based.

   Letters are the elements of written language.

2. (chemistry) Any one of the simplest chemical substances that cannot be decomposed in a chemical reaction or by any chemical means and made up of atoms all having the same number of protons.
3. One of the four basic building blocks of matter in theories of ancient philosophers and alchemists: water, earth, fire, and air
4. A small part of the whole.

   an element of doubt

   an element of the picture

5. (plural only) Atmospheric forces such as strong winds and rains.
6. A place or state of being that an individual or object is better suited towards.

   be in one's own element