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 Using a fertilizer that contains micronutrients – trace elements like magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), and Boron (B) – at least occasionally, will help avoid deficiencies in those elements as well. Miri Talabac, Baltimore Sun, 4 Jan. 2024 Some people prefer broad-spectrum for the potential entourage effect, while others choose isolates to avoid any trace elements of other cannabinoids. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 18 Oct. 2023 Zinc Zinc is an essential trace element that helps control muscle growth and repair. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 6 Oct. 2023 But boron is a naturally occurring trace element that is considered a micronutrient. Allison Futterman, Discover Magazine, 4 Sep. 2023 Besides, these 1970s and ’80s sci-fi franchises so dominated the culture (see also Star Wars and everything featured in Ready Player One) that trace elements of it were in the water supply for every Gen-Xer and millennial. Theater Review Aug. 3, Vulture, 3 Aug. 2023 Some TikTok creators who are working to debunk the borax trend are also suggesting that people may be conflating borax with boron, which is a trace element found in many foods. Julia Landwehr, Health, 3 Aug. 2023 In the past, many Americans were deficient in this trace element. Becca Miller, Women's Health, 1 Aug. 2023 Selenium is a naturally occurring chemical important in the environment as a trace element. Jim Robbins, New York Times, 11 July 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'trace element.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 19 Mar. 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

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