-
- To save this word, you'll need to log in.
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
According to the National Institutes of Health, manganese is an essential trace element that is naturally present in many foods and available as a dietary supplement.
—Marley Malenfant, Austin American-Statesman, 30 May 2024
And, fun fact: pistachios are the lowest calorie nut around.
Walnuts
Walnuts are rich in iron, calcium, magnesium, vitamin E, vitamin B, and trace elements.
—Jeanne Ballion, Vogue, 31 Oct. 2024
When juxtaposed with neutrals, its trace elements of plum pop out without hogging the spotlight.
—Tim Nelson, Architectural Digest, 16 Oct. 2024
Calcium is a trace element that helps plants flower and fruit, so adding it to soil can benefit a vegetable garden.
—Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for trace element
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
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 1 Dec. 2024.
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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share