trace element
nounDefinition 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
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. 2017These 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.
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
Comments on trace element
What made you want to look up trace element? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Test Your Vocabulary
Words from Greek and Roman Mythology Quiz
-
- Boreal comes from the name of the ancient Greek god of which wind?
Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question challenge!
TAKE THE QUIZ
Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZ
Share trace element
Resources for trace element