trace element

noun

: a chemical element present in minute quantities

especially : a micronutrient (such as iodine, iron, and zinc) with an optimum daily intake of typically less than 100 milligrams a day

Examples of trace element in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

By analyzing the trace elements in the ring’s sapphire and comparing the results with sapphires mined worldwide, the team concludes that Sri Lanka is the most likely place of origin. —David Bressan, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025

Dirt collected by a resident at the site showed selenium, a trace element that can be harmful in heavy concentrations, according to the results, which were reviewed by The Times. —Dakota Smith, Los Angeles Times, 28 Apr. 2025

Then, a mass spectrometer will analyze that soil for trace elements and compounds, with a focus on finding water and other volatiles that could support long-term lunar exploration. —Ella Jeffries, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 Feb. 2025

Selenium is a vital trace element found in living organisms, soil and plants, and your body needs only a small amount of it to function. —Aliasger K. Salem, The Conversation, 25 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1932, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for trace element

• multielement

Kids Definition

trace element

noun

: a chemical element present in tiny amounts

especially : one that is used by a living thing and is considered essential to the functions necessary for life

Medical Definition

trace element

noun

: a chemical element present in minute quantities

especially : a micronutrient (as iodine, iron, and zinc) with an optimum daily intake of typically less than 100 milligrams