trace element

noun

|Updated on: 23 Jul 2018

Definition of trace element

: 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

See trace element defined for English-language learners

See trace element defined for kids

Recent Examples of trace element from the Web

As the fish moves from river to river, trace elements in the water change.

— kevin davenport, idahostatesman, "Symphony of the salmon: How scientists are learning by putting fish migration to music," 9 July 2018
One of the richest stores of data inside a core, coral detectives are finding, is its year-by-year record of trace elements in ocean water.

— elizabeth svoboda, Scientific American, "Cores from Coral Reefs Hold Secrets of the Seas’ Past and Future," 6 June 2018
Other trace elements include iron, manganese, zinc, boron, molybdenum and chlorine.

— amy hall, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Growing season ahead depends on proper feeding," 7 Mar. 2018
Apply a palm fertilizer with trace elements every two months March through September.

— kathy huber, Houston Chronicle, "After the freeze comes the cleanup in the garden," 19 Jan. 2018
Michael Shannon astutely judges every microsecond of menace as the heavy, adding trace elements of twisted levity, some scripted, some not.

— michael phillips, idahostatesman, "Del Toro’s fish tale is magical, romantic and dark," 25 Dec. 2017
Michael Shannon astutely judges every microsecond of menace as the heavy, adding trace elements of twisted levity, some scripted, some not.

— michael phillips, idahostatesman, "Del Toro’s fish tale is magical, romantic and dark," 25 Dec. 2017
Michael Shannon astutely judges every microsecond of menace as the heavy, adding trace elements of twisted levity, some scripted, some not.

— michael phillips, idahostatesman, "Del Toro’s fish tale is magical, romantic and dark," 25 Dec. 2017
Michael Shannon astutely judges every microsecond of menace as the heavy, adding trace elements of twisted levity, some scripted, some not.

— michael phillips, Detroit Free Press, "Review: ‘The Shape of Water’ is sexy, dark and magical," 21 Dec. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'trace element.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of trace element

1932

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

TRACE ELEMENT Defined for English Language Learners

trace element

noun

Definition of trace element for English Language Learners

: a chemical element that is present only in very small amounts
: a chemical or element that a living thing needs in very small amounts in order to live

Medical Dictionary

trace element

noun

medical Definition of trace element

: 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