trace element

noun

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

Examples of trace element in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Now the case is once again back in the news, thanks to Richard Ash, a geologist at the University of Maryland, College Park who specializes in analyzing trace elements in geologic samples. — Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, "Study brings us one step closer to solving 1994 thallium poisoning case," 25 Dec. 2018 For blue sapphires, traditionally the most sought-after color, the important trace elements are iron and titanium. — C. Claiborne Ray, New York Times, "From One Mineral, Brilliant Reds and Bright Blues," 22 June 2018 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

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.

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trace of precipitation

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The first known use of trace element was in 1932

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More Definitions for trace element

trace element

noun

English Language Learners Definition of trace element

technical

: 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

See the full definition for trace element in the English Language Learners 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