# trace element

> English word · Noun

## Definitions
1. A chemical element present in a sample in very small quantities.
2. A chemical element in an organism’s diet that is required in very small amounts in order to maintain proper biochemical function.

## Etymology
Compound of trace (“very small amount”) + element (“chemical element”).

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/trace-element