Prakriti प्रकृति : The natural condition or state of anything, nature, natural forms.
In Saankhya philosophy, Nature (Prakriti as distinguished from Purush), the original source of the material world, consisting of three essential qualities Satv, Rajas, Tamas. The personified will of the Supreme Spirit in the creation (identified with Maya or illusion). Refer Bhagavad Gita 9:10. The eight primary elements, out of which, everything else is evolved according to the Saankhya. The five primary elements of creation (PanchMahaabhoot): Earth, water, fire, air, and sky or ether. Dictionary p351.