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

In comparison, adults need between 900 to 10,000 micrograms daily of copper, another trace element, and between 8,000 to 40,000 micrograms of the trace element zinc. —Aliasger K. Salem, The Conversation, 25 Feb. 2025

Seaweed is one of the best dietary sources of iodine, a trace element important to thyroid hormone production. 7. —Lindsey Desoto, Rd, Ld, Verywell Health, 3 Jan. 2025

Vitamins, minerals, and trace elements are involved in the body’s metabolism, including how the body produces and processes glucose, Bahtiyar said. —Kaitlin Sullivan, Health, 6 Feb. 2025

Moreover, containing nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and trace elements, Reclyzer ensures a steady release of fertility and promotes beneficial microbial activity. —Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 31 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1932, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for trace element

• multielement

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