tracer
tracer Lexical Profile
tracer Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A recognizable substance, such as a dye or radioactive isotope, introduced into a biological, chemical, or physical system in order to follow the course of a process or the movement of materials.
"The medical team injected a harmless radioactive tracer to monitor blood flow through the patient's heart."
A projectile or bullet containing a pyrotechnic flare that leaves a visible trail of smoke or fire in the air so its flight path can be observed.
"Streaks of light from the tracers illuminated the night sky during the training exercise."
A person or inquiry employed to track down missing persons, lost shipments, or the source of an infectious disease.
"The postal service sent out a formal tracer to locate the missing international package."
A person or mechanical instrument that copies drawings, patterns, or outlines by following existing lines.
"The machinist used a mechanical tracer to replicate the intricate contour of the master template."
• Rhymes for tracer
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Formed in late Middle English from the verb 'trace' (from Old French 'tracier', ultimately from Latin 'tractus', meaning 'a drawing or track') and the agentive suffix '-er'.