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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
Zinc for the retina An important part of the eye is the retina—and the trace element zinc is important for keeping it strong.
—Maria Berentzen, Vogue, 12 Dec. 2024
Zircon trace element evidence for early hydrothermal activity on Mars.
—Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 25 Nov. 2024
Everything from the climate to the soil leaves behind trace elements, creating a unique profile that Oritain calls an Origin Fingerprint.
—Sarah Jones, Sourcing Journal, 10 July 2024
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
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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 21 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
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