NYT Dictionary

ELEMENTAL

/(ˌ)ɛləˈmɛntəl/
AdjectiveNounel-e-MEN-talel-e-men-tal · 4 syllablesGrade 9

Accepted in official NYT Spelling Bee puzzle years: 2019, 2023, 2025, 2026

Meaning

Of, relating to, or being an element (as opposed to a compound).

Etymology

Origin: Middle English

From Middle English elementall, from Medieval Latin elementālis; compare Old French elementel. By surface analysis, element + -al.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

elementaryprimarybasalabecedarianaboriginalacidadditiveautochthonousbasicbeginning

NYT Puzzle Appearances

Accepted in 3 recorded puzzles:

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