elements

n. (pl.)
1. four rudimentary constituents. i.e.earth. water.air,fire,which were believed in ancient Europe toform the universe; natural forces（古代欧洲认为构成宇宙的）四大要素(土，水，空气，火)；自然力量。
△Oth.2.3.340(341):“She’s framed as fruitful / As the free elements(i.e. bountiful natural forces).”她生来就像四大要素一样慷慨大度。
2. fire,air,water and earth; natural forces; (hence)wind and rain水、火、空气和土；自然力量；（引申义）风雨。
△ Lr.3.1.4: “Contending with the fretful ele-ments；”正在跟狂暴的风雨搏斗。
3. natural surroundings; air and sky that surround us自然环境；空气与天空。
△Oth.2.1.44: “O,let theheavens / Give him defence against the elements. /For I have lost him on a dangerous sea.”啊，愿上天保佑他战胜这种天气，因为我是在险恶的海洋上和他失散的。