Main Entry:

trac·er

Pronunciation:

\ˈtrā-sər\

Function:

noun

Date:

14th century

1: one that traces, tracks down, or searches out: as a: a person who traces missing persons or property and especially goods lost in transit b: an inquiry sent out in tracing a shipment lost in transit 2: one who traces designs, patterns, or markings3: a device (as a stylus) used in tracing4 a: ammunition containing a chemical composition to mark the flight of projectiles by a trail of smoke or light b: a substance used to trace the course of a chemical or biological process ; especially : label 3d