element

(master/mainly) + (string)
★★★★☆
10 strokes
BETA

Onyomi

SO / SU

SOME ONE has elements of poop in SOME UNDERPANTS of theirs.

Mnemonic

The elements (copper, silver, iron, etc.) are like the strings which bind together molecules, therefore the elements are the masters of the physical world.

Jukugo

素晴らしい(すばらしい)

the best! ★★★☆☆ FP
(element) + (weather get good now) = 素晴らしい (the best!)

the best! Usually used about art or theatrical performances.
A way to remember the pronunciation is that the ON-yomi of 素 is 'SU', while the KUN-yomi of 晴 is 'hareru'. . . which, because 晴 is the second kanji in the word, the 'ha' turns to 'BA'.
So maybe KUN-ON is a more accurate tag, but even then it's hard to remember, so FP it is!

素材(そざい)

raw material ★★☆☆☆
(element) + (raw materials) = 素材 (raw material)

raw material - both literally and figuratively (as in, the raw data that you base your essay or report or novel on) ("I'm working on materal for my novel!")

酸素(さんそ)

oxygen. ☆☆☆☆☆ FR
(sour) + (element) = 酸素 (oxygen.)

oxygen - which is kind of a Fucked Roots if you think about it - "sour element?" What have they got against oxygen?!? What SHOULD we be breathing?

二酸化 炭素(に さんか たんそ)

carbon dioxide ☆☆☆☆☆
(two) + (sour) + (transform) + (carbon) + (element) = 二酸化 炭素 (carbon dioxide)

Lookalikes

Meaning Hint Radical
express CLOTHING
element STRING
barley EACH

Elements are the STRING that ties together chemicals.

You express yourself with your CLOTHING, and . . .

you have to eat EACH bit of barley or you don't get any dessert.

Synonyms

great, magnificent
上手    うまい 素敵    立派    素晴らしい    見事   
novice
素人    初心者    未熟   
primary sources
資料    材料    素材   
smooth
巧みな    巧み    器用な    巧妙な    素早い    機敏    俊敏な