tracing

noun

trac·​ing ˈtrā-siŋ 

1

: something that is traced: such as

a

: a copy made on a superimposed transparent sheet

b

: a graphic record made by an instrument (such as a seismograph) that registers some movement

2

: the act of one that traces

Synonyms

• chase
• chasing
• dogging
• following
• hounding
• pursuing
• pursuit
• shadowing
• tagging
• tailing
• tracking
• trailing

Examples of tracing in a Sentence

the tracing of this mountain lion is going to be difficult if the rain washes away all of the tracks

Recent Examples on the Web

Disease surveillance and contact tracing will be key as the virus has already spread to nearby countries, including Burundi, Rwanda, Kenya, and Uganda. —Jennifer Lotito, Forbes, 12 Sep. 2024

Public health officials need to be ready for contact tracing and testing; scientists need to be prepared for researching and synthesizing tests and vaccines. —Daniel W. Drezner, Foreign Affairs, 12 Aug. 2024

Here are some ways to make measuring fun: Trace their body and then measure the tracing instead of the child. —Elisa Cinelli, Parents, 22 July 2024

But officials familiar with the tracing of Crooks’s weapon said the request was pushed to the front of the line. —Perry Stein, Washington Post, 21 July 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing tracing

• contact tracing
• ray tracing
• tracing paper
• tracing wheel

Kids Definition

tracing

noun

trac·​ing

ˈtrā-siŋ

1

: the act of one that traces

2

: something that is traced

Medical Definition

tracing

noun

trac·​ing ˈtrā-siŋ 

: a graphic record made by an instrument (as an electrocardiograph) that registers some movement