Dictionary

To injure (anything) by rough handling; handle roughly.

To begrime; soil with mud; daub; smear.

To work persistently or laboriously; be occupied in working (e.g. in the earth, rake among dirt, etc.).

To meddle; interfere.

One of the simplest or essential parts or principles of which anything consists, or upon which the constitution or fundamental powers of anything are based.

Example: Letters are the elements of written language.

A small part of the whole.

Example: an element of doubt;  an element of the picture

The sky.

(with "the") Atmospheric forces such as strong winds and rains.

Example: exposed to the elements