The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word LITHIUM
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
L
I
T
H
I
U
M
More clues leading to the result LITHIUM
- Element of humility not unknown after thrashing
- Periodically, three fired up are busily active around one
- Element burning with smell when current is put into it
- Element glowing with noise, electric current being limited
- Element of false humility not unknown
- Element on fire, buzz round one
- …chemical being ignited by that man after entering university
- Element illuminated with buzz holding current
- How introducing unscreened membership starts to support drunken element
- Element ignited with smell containing iodine
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Element" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case element = lithium.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does LITHIUM mean?
LITHIUM noun- The simplest alkali metal, the lightest solid element, and the third lightest chemical element (symbol Li) with an atomic number of 3. It is a soft, silvery metal.
- A single atom of this element.
- Lithium carbonate or other preparations of lithium metal used to treat manic depression and bipolar disorders.
- A lithium battery.