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
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.
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 

Word History

First Known Use

1932, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of trace element was in 1932

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!