trace element

noun Biochemistry.

1. any element that is required in minute quantities for physiological functioning.

noun

1. any of various chemical elements, such as iron, manganese, zinc, copper, and iodine, that occur in very small amounts in organisms and are essential for many physiological and biochemical processes

n.

1. A chemical element required in minute quantities by an organism to maintain proper physical functioning.
2. A minute quantity or amount, as of a chemical compound.

1. An element present in an organism in only very small amounts but essential for normal metabolism. Iodine and cobalt are trace elements required by humans.