trace element n a chemical element present in minute quantities esp one used by organisms and held essential to their physiology compare MICRONUTRIENT (2)
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an element that is required in minute concentrations for normal growth and development. Trace elements include fluorine (see fluoride), manganese, zinc, copper, iodine, cobalt, selenium, molybdenum, chromium, and silicon. They may serve as cofactor or as constituents of complex molecules (e.g. cobalt in vitamin B12).
Medical dictionary. 2011.