Definition

1. Noun:
   • A chemical element present in minute amounts in a particular environment, especially in a living organism, that is essential for its normal growth and development: A "trace element" is an element that occurs in very small quantities (typically less than 0.01% of the organism's mass) but is crucial for various physiological and biochemical processes. Its absence can cause deficiency diseases.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • Zinc and copper are important trace elements for human health.
  • The soil lacks certain trace elements necessary for optimal plant growth.
  • A deficiency in the trace element iodine can lead to thyroid problems.

Advanced Usage

• "Essential trace element": Emphasizes that the element is indispensable for life.
  • Selenium is considered an essential trace element for many animals.
• "Trace element analysis": Refers to the scientific technique of measuring the very small concentrations of these elements in a sample.
  • Trace element analysis of the hair sample revealed elevated levels of lead.

Variants and Related Words

• Micronutrient (n): A broader term that includes trace elements as well as vitamins required in small amounts for health.
  • Iron is both a trace element and a vital micronutrient.
• Oligoelement (n): A synonym used primarily in biological and medical contexts.

Synonyms

• Micronutrient (when referring to its nutritional role)
• Minor element (used in some geological and nutritional contexts)

Related Phrases

• Trace element deficiency: A condition resulting from an insufficient intake or absorption of a necessary trace element.
  • Trace element deficiency can impair immune function.
• Trace element supplementation: The act of adding these elements to the diet or environment.
  • Trace element supplementation is common in animal feed.

Related Idioms

(This term is highly technical and does not commonly feature in idiomatic expressions.)

Noun

1. an element that occurs at very small quantities in the body but is nonetheless important for many biological processes