trace

[treɪs]

trace Definition

• 1. a mark, object, or other indication of the existence or passing of something
• 2. a very small quantity, especially one too small to be accurately measured
• 3. find or discover by investigation

Using trace: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "trace" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  The detective found a trace of blood on the carpet.

• Example

  There is no trace of the missing documents.

• Example

  She left without a trace.

• Example

  The recipe calls for a trace of nutmeg.

• Example

  The police are trying to trace the source of the call.

trace Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for trace

• sign
• indication
• vestige
• hint
• smidgen

Antonyms for trace

• whole
• lot
• entirety

Idioms Using trace

• without a trace

  completely disappearing or leaving no evidence behind

  Example

  The plane vanished without a trace.

• trace one's steps

  to retrace the path or route that one has taken previously

  Example

  He realized he had lost his keys and decided to trace his steps back to the car.

• leave no trace

  to not leave any evidence or impact on the environment or surroundings

  Example

  The hikers were reminded to leave no trace and pack out all their trash.

Phrases with trace

• trace element

  a chemical element present only in minute amounts in a particular sample or environment

  Example

  Zinc is an essential trace element in the human diet.

• trace fossil

  a fossilized structure, such as a footprint, that formed in sedimentary rock by animal activity on or within soft sediment

  Example

  The trace fossil of a dinosaur footprint was discovered in the sandstone.

• trace back

  to find the origin or cause of something by examining the past events or evidence

  Example

  The history of the family can be traced back to the 16th century.

Origins of trace

from Old French 'tracier', meaning 'to make a track'

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Summary: trace in Brief

The term 'trace' [treɪs] refers to a mark, object, or indication of something's existence or passing. It can also denote a very small quantity, as in 'The recipe calls for a trace of nutmeg.' The verb form means to find or discover by investigation, as in 'The police are trying to trace the source of the call.' Phrases like 'trace element' and 'trace fossil' extend the concept, while idioms like 'without a trace' and 'trace one's steps' add figurative meanings.