major element

American  

noun

Geology.

1. any chemical found in great quantity in the rocks of the earth's crust.

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Example Sentences

Penalties can range from civil fines to criminal misdemeanor prosecutions — the potential for criminal penalties was a major element of Taking Offense’s argument.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 10, 2025

The major element of the deal, the transition away from fossil fuels in energy systems, is indeed a landmark moment.

From BBC • Dec. 13, 2023

Tsinghua is a major element of China’s civil-military “fusion” program designed to ensure that all technological developments created in the private sector are available to the military.

From Washington Times • Oct. 25, 2023

But several countries have concerns about a multilateral treaty underpinning a major element of the plan, and some analysts say the overhaul is at risk of collapse.

From Reuters • Jul. 15, 2023

Failing to detect the major element, the dead animal pelt.

From "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?" by Philip K. Dick