Final answer:
The elements surrounding a word which influence its meaning are called the context.
Step-by-step explanation:
The elements surrounding a word which influence its meaning are called the context. Context can include the words and phrases that come before and after the word, as well as the situation, setting, or culture in which the word is used. For example, the word "bank" can have different meanings depending on whether it is used in the context of finance or the natural landscape. The context helps to clarify the intended meaning of the word.
Learn more about word meaning in context