======= Date: Fri, 20 Jun 2003 10:03:34 +1000 (EST) (subtype) new (headw1) 素子 (kana1) そし (pos) noun (english1) device, element, elemental device (reference) http://www.alc.co.jp/ Also, used by an engineer in the expression 素子近傍 in the context "(in) the area (of the unit)" - the unit in this case being a fibre-optic connector ferrule. (name) Michael Poole