What is "vessel element"

n. (context botany English) A cell that is linear in form and is responsible for the conduction of water and minerals in the xylem.

A vessel element or vessel member is one of the cell types found in xylem, the water conducting tissue of plants. Vessel elements are typically found in flowering plants (angiosperms) but absent from most gymnosperms such as conifers. Vessel elements are the main feature distinguishing the " hardwood" of angiosperms from the " softwood" of conifers.