trace

²trace

verb

tracedtrac·ing

Definition of TRACE

transitive verb

1

a : delineate, sketch b : to form (as letters or figures) carefully or painstakingly c : to copy (as a drawing) by following the lines or letters as seen through a transparent superimposed sheet d : to impress or imprint (as a design or pattern) with a tracer e : to record a tracing of in the form of a curved, wavy, or broken line <trace the heart action> f : to adorn with linear ornamentation (as tracery or chasing)

2

archaic : to travel over : traverse

3

a : to follow the footprints, track, or trail of b : to follow or study out in detail or step by step <trace the history of the labor movement> c : to discover by going backward over the evidence step by step <trace your ancestry> d : to discover signs, evidence, or remains of

4

: to lay out the trace of (a military installation)

intransitive verb

1

: to make one's way; especially : to follow a track or trail

2

: to be traceable historically

— trace·abil·i·ty \ˌtrā-sə-ˈbi-lə-tē\ noun

— trace·able \ˈtrā-sə-bəl\ adjective

Examples of TRACE

1. The children traced their hands onto the sidewalk with chalk.
2. You can put a piece of paper over the pattern and trace it.
3. She traced the letters of her name.
4. We will need to trace the electrical wires through the walls.
5. The word “amiable” traces back to the Latin word for “friend.”

Origin of TRACE

Middle English, from Anglo-French tracer, from Vulgar Latin *tractiare to drag, from Latin tractus, past participle of trahere to pull

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to TRACE

Synonyms: define, delineate, silhouette, sketch, outline

Antonyms: guide, lead, pilot

Related Words: line; bound, fringe, margin, skirt; edge, hem, rim, trim; frame; circle, compass, encircle, girdle, girth, loop, ring, round, surround; chart, diagram, draw, map (out)

Near Antonyms: head

see all synonyms and antonyms

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