trace
TREYS
/treɪs/
A very small amount of something; a mark, object, or other indication of the existence or passing of something.
In forensics, 'trace evidence' refers to microscopic materials like hair, fibers, or soil.
The story behind the word. A trace was originally a track or trail left by something being pulled along the ground, like a sled or a heavy kill. It eventually came to mean any small sign left behind.
Word relationships
- vestige: A vestige is a trace of something that is disappearing or no longer exists (like a ruin).
- hint: A hint is a very small amount that suggests something larger, often used for smells or flavors.
- abundance: A very large quantity of something.
Word family
- traceable (adjective): Able to be followed or discovered.
Collocations
- trace evidence
- trace amounts
- without a trace
- trace back to
Idioms & expressions
- kick over the traces
Example sentences
- "Even a trace amount of the substance can be detected by modern equipment." Chemical analysis.
- "The police were able to trace the phone call to a basement in the suburbs." Investigative tracking.
Memory hook
Trace = Track. It's the tiny track left by a person or a chemical. The tiny trail.
When not to use
As a verb, don't use it for 'drawing' unless you are specifically following lines already there.
Fun facts
- Locard's Exchange Principle, the foundation of forensic science, states that 'every contact leaves a trace'.
Related words
Explore more words
microscopic, forensics, circumstantial, detect, track, imperceptible
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