trace element

noun

, Biochemistry.

1. any element that is required in minute quantities for physiological functioning.

trace element

noun

1. any of various chemical elements, such as iron, manganese, zinc, copper, and iodine, that occur in very small amounts in organisms and are essential for many physiological and biochemical processes

trace element

/ trās /

1. An element present in an organism in only very small amounts but essential for normal metabolism. Iodine and cobalt are trace elements required by humans.

Word History and Origins

Origin of trace element¹

First recorded in 1935–40

Example Sentences

They guaranteed it would have all the necessary ingredients, right down to the smallest trace element!

From Project Gutenberg