traces

word · lemma: trace

/ˈtɹeɪsəz/
TRAY-siz
/tɹˈeɪsɪz/
TRAY-siz

Definition

Small signs, marks, or amounts showing that something existed or happened. Also means very small or barely detectable quantities of something.

Usage & Nuances

Usually plural (“traces”) when referring to evidence left behind (traces of blood, traces of a person). Used in science to indicate extremely small amounts (“trace elements,” “traces of chemicals”). Common in both formal and neutral contexts.

Example Sentences

He tried to clean up all the traces before anyone noticed.

natural

Even after washing, some traces of the smell remained.

natural

The animal left traces in the snow.

basic

The police found traces of paint on his clothes.

basic

There are traces of sugar in the juice.

basic

Scientists discovered traces of water on Mars.

natural