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

For the last decade, 23andMe has been known worldwide for offering genetic testing, ancestry tracing and health information to its customers. —Abigail Adams, People.com, 16 Oct. 2024

With support from the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and other partners, the Rwandan government is implementing rigorous testing, contact tracing and quarantine measures to contain the outbreak. —Paul Adepoju, Scientific American, 8 Oct. 2024

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

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