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
But boron is a naturally occurring trace element that is considered a micronutrient.
—
Allison Futterman, Discover Magazine, 4 Sep. 2023
Besides, these 1970s and ’80s sci-fi franchises so dominated the culture (see also Star Wars and everything featured in Ready Player One) that trace elements of it were in the water supply for every Gen-Xer and millennial.
—Theater Review Aug. 3, Vulture, 3 Aug. 2023
Some TikTok creators who are working to debunk the borax trend are also suggesting that people may be conflating borax with boron, which is a trace element found in many foods.
—Julia Landwehr, Health, 3 Aug. 2023
In the past, many Americans were deficient in this trace element.
—Becca Miller, Women's Health, 1 Aug. 2023
Selenium is a naturally occurring chemical important in the environment as a trace element.
—Jim Robbins, New York Times, 11 July 2023
Women of all ages can enjoy the natural benefits of essential vitamins, minerals, and trace elements offered in this unique supplement.
—Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 6 Mar. 2023
In 1962, women were a trace element at MIT.
—Scott Burns, Dallas News, 5 June 2022
Chromium - Essential trace element that improves the body's ability to metabolize calories from fat, carbs, and protein.
—Mark Anderson, Discover Magazine, 11 Oct. 2022
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Allison Futterman, Discover Magazine, 4 Sep. 2023
Besides, these 1970s and ’80s sci-fi franchises so dominated the culture (see also Star Wars and everything featured in Ready Player One) that trace elements of it were in the water supply for every Gen-Xer and millennial.
—Theater Review Aug. 3, Vulture, 3 Aug. 2023
Some TikTok creators who are working to debunk the borax trend are also suggesting that people may be conflating borax with boron, which is a trace element found in many foods.
—Julia Landwehr, Health, 3 Aug. 2023
In the past, many Americans were deficient in this trace element.
—Becca Miller, Women's Health, 1 Aug. 2023
Selenium is a naturally occurring chemical important in the environment as a trace element.
—Jim Robbins, New York Times, 11 July 2023
Women of all ages can enjoy the natural benefits of essential vitamins, minerals, and trace elements offered in this unique supplement.
—Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 6 Mar. 2023
In 1962, women were a trace element at MIT.
—Scott Burns, Dallas News, 5 June 2022
Chromium - Essential trace element that improves the body's ability to metabolize calories from fat, carbs, and protein.
—Mark Anderson, Discover Magazine, 11 Oct. 2022
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'trace element.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1932, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near trace element
Cite this Entry
“Trace element.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/trace%20element. Accessed 22 Sep. 2023.
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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
More from Merriam-Webster on trace element
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about trace element
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