elemental
UK: ˌelɪˈment(ə)l | US: ˌelɪˈment(ə)l
adj. relating to the basic or essential components of something
adj. pertaining to the forces of nature (e.g., earth, air, fire, water)
n. (rare) a supernatural entity associated with natural forces
The word "elemental" derives from the Latin "elementum," meaning "basic principle" or "rudiment." In medieval philosophy, "elements" referred to the four fundamental substances (earth, air, fire, water), giving rise to the adjective "elemental" to describe forces or beings tied to these natural principles. The suffix "-al" (from Latin "-alis") standardly forms adjectives, preserving the word's logical link to core components or primal forces.
The wizard summoned an elemental spirit of fire to aid him.
Her research focuses on the elemental principles of chemistry.
The storm’s fury felt almost elemental in its raw power.
In mythology, gnomes are often depicted as earth elementals.
The artist’s style is stripped down to its elemental forms.