First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1trace
noun \ˈtrās\
Definition of TRACE
1
archaic : a course or path that one follows
2
a : a mark or line left by something that has passed; also : footprint b : a path, trail, or road made by the passage of animals, people, or vehicles
4
: something (as a line) traced or drawn: as a : the marking made by a recording instrument (as a seismograph or kymograph) b : the ground plan of a military installation or position either on a map or on the ground
5
a : the intersection of a line or plane with a plane b : the usually bright line or spot that moves across the screen of a cathode-ray tube; also : the path taken by such a line or spot
6
a : a minute and often barely detectable amount or indication <a trace of a smile> b : an amount of a chemical constituent not always quantitatively determinable because of minuteness
— trace·less \-ləs\ adjective
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Origin of TRACE
Middle English, from Anglo-French, from tracer to trace
Synonym Discussion of TRACE
trace, vestige, track mean a perceptible sign made by something that has passed. trace may suggest any line, mark, or discernible effect <the killer left no traces>. vestige applies to a tangible reminder such as a fragment or remnant of what is past and gone <boulders that are vestiges of the last ice age>. track implies a continuous line that can be followed <the fossilized tracks of dinosaurs>.
2trace
verb
: to draw the outline of (something); especially : to copy (a design or picture) by putting a thin piece of paper that you can see through over it and drawing on top of it
: to draw (something, such as letters or a picture) especially in a careful way
: to follow the path or line of (something)
tracedtrac·ing
Full Definition of TRACE
transitive verb
1
a : delineate, sketch b : to form (as letters or figures) carefully or painstakingly c : to copy (as a drawing) by following the lines or letters as seen through a transparent superimposed sheet d : to impress or imprint (as a design or pattern) with a tracer e : to record a tracing of in the form of a curved, wavy, or broken line <trace the heart action> f : to adorn with linear ornamentation (as tracery or chasing)
2
archaic : to travel over : traverse
3
a : to follow the footprints, track, or trail of b : to follow or study out in detail or step by step <trace the history of the war> c : to discover by going backward over the evidence step by step <trace your ancestry> d : to discover signs, evidence, or remains of
4
: to lay out the trace of (a military installation)
intransitive verb
1
: to make one's way; especially : to follow a track or trail
2
: to be traceable historically
— trace·abil·i·ty \ˌtrā-sə-ˈbi-lə-tē\ noun
— trace·able \ˈtrā-sə-bəl\ adjective
See trace defined for English-language learners
Origin of TRACE
Middle English, from Anglo-French tracer, from Vulgar Latin *tractiare to drag, from Latin tractus, past participle of trahere to pull
First Known Use: 14th century
3trace
noun
Definition of TRACE
1
: either of two straps, chains, or lines of a harness for attaching a draft animal to something (as a vehicle) to be drawn
2
: leader 1e(2)
3
: one or more vascular bundles supplying a leaf or twig
Origin of TRACE
Middle English trais, from Anglo-French tres, plural of trait pull, draft, trace — more at trait
First Known Use: 14th century
TRACES Defined for Kids
1trace
noun \ˈtrās\
Definition of TRACE for Kids
1
: a mark left by something that has passed or is past <“… she seems to have vanished without trace …” — J. K. Rowling, Goblet of Fire>
2
: a very small amount <He speaks with a trace of an accent.>
2trace
verb
tracedtrac·ing
Definition of TRACE for Kids
1
: 2sketch 1
2
: to form (as letters) carefully
3
: to copy (as a drawing) by following the lines as seen through a transparent sheet placed over the thing copied
4
: to follow the footprints, track, or trail of
5
: to study or follow the development of in detail <This book traces the history of art through the ages.>
6
: to follow something back to its cause or beginning <He traced his family's roots.>
3trace
noun
Definition of TRACE for Kids
: either of the two straps, chains, or ropes of a harness that fasten a horse to a vehicle
Medical Dictionary
trace
noun \ˈtrās\
Medical Definition of TRACE
1
: the marking made by a recording instrument (as a kymograph)
2
: an amount of a chemical constituent not always quantitatively determinable because of minuteness
3
: engram
—trace transitive verb
—trace·able \-ə-bəl\ adjective
Learn More About TRACE
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