στοιχεία
Wordform Details
Translation: elementdatainformationevidence
Part of Speech: noun
Inflection Type:
neuterpluralnominative/accusativeIs Dictionary Form: No
Dictionary Form Details
Lemma: στοιχείο
Translation: element; component; factor; datum; piece of information (noun)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek στοιχεῖον (stoikheîon), which originally meant 'one of a row' or 'a letter of the alphabet', derived from στοῖχος (stoîkhos) meaning 'row, line, rank'. The word evolved to mean 'basic component' or 'element' in both scientific and general contexts. The English word 'stoichiometry' (the calculation of reactants and products in chemical reactions) comes from the same Greek root.
Example Usage
Το οξυγόνο είναι ένα χημικό στοιχείο.
Oxygen is a chemical element.
Χρειαζόμαστε περισσότερα στοιχεία για την έρευνα.
We need more evidence for the investigation.
Συμπληρώστε τα στοιχεία σας στη φόρμα.
Fill in your details on the form.
Η φωτιά είναι ένα από τα τέσσερα στοιχεία της φύσης.
Fire is one of the four elements of nature.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'stoic' (from the same Greek root) as someone who has the basic elements of self-control.
- Remember 'stoichiometry' in chemistry which deals with elements and their proportions.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Cultural Context
In modern Greek, 'στοιχείο' is widely used in scientific contexts, but also in everyday language to refer to components, evidence, or data. It's a key term in education, science, and official documentation.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'στοιχείο' means 'element' or 'component', 'στοιχειό' refers to a ghost, spirit or supernatural being in Greek folklore.
Confused word:
Λένε πως ένα στοιχειό κατοικεί σε αυτό το παλιό σπίτι.
They say that a ghost inhabits this old house.
Notes: The accent placement is different: στοιχεΊο vs. στοιχειΌ, and they have different genders (neuter vs. masculine).
Mnemonic: 'Στοιχείο' (element) is scientific and rational; 'στοιχειό' (ghost) belongs to the supernatural world.
Explanation: 'Στοιχείο' means 'element' or 'evidence', while 'στοίχημα' means 'bet' or 'wager'.
Confused word:
Έβαλε ένα στοίχημα ότι θα κερδίσει η ομάδα του.
He placed a bet that his team would win.
Notes: Both words share the same root related to 'row' or 'line', but evolved with different meanings.
Mnemonic: Think of 'στοίχημα' as something you stake (stake sounds like 'stoic') in a bet.