trace

1
[ treys ]
/ treɪs /

noun

verb (used with object), traced, trac·ing.

verb (used without object), traced, trac·ing.

Origin of trace

1
1250–1300; late Middle English tracen, Middle English: to make one's way, proceed < Middle French tracier < Vulgar Latin *tractiāre, derivative of Latin tractus, past participle of trahere to draw, drag; (noun) Middle English: orig., way, course, line of footprints < Old French, derivative of tracier

SYNONYMS FOR trace

1 T race , vestige agree in denoting marks or signs of something, usually of the past. T race , the broader term, denotes any mark or slight indication of something past or present: a trace of ammonia in water. V estige is more limited and refers to some slight, though actual, remains of something that no longer exists: vestiges of one's former wealth.
2 hint, suggestion, taste, touch.
5 spoor, trail, record.
15 trail.

OTHER WORDS FROM trace

un·traced, adjective

Definition for trace (2 of 2)

trace 2
[ treys ]
/ treɪs /

noun

either of the two straps, ropes, or chains by which a carriage, wagon, or the like is drawn by a harnessed horse or other draft animal.
a piece in a machine, as a bar, transferring the movement of one part to another part, being hinged to each.

Origin of trace

2
1300–50; Middle English trais < Middle French, plural of trait strap for harness, action of drawing < Latin tractus a drawing, dragging; see tract1

Example sentences from the Web for trace

British Dictionary definitions for trace (1 of 2)

trace 1
/ (treɪs) /

noun

verb

Derived forms of trace

Word Origin for trace

C13: from French tracier, from Vulgar Latin tractiāre (unattested) to drag, from Latin tractus, from trahere to drag

British Dictionary definitions for trace (2 of 2)

trace 2
/ (treɪs) /

noun

either of the two side straps that connect a horse's harness to the swingletree
angling a length of nylon or, formerly, gut attaching a hook or fly to a line
kick over the traces to escape or defy control

Word Origin for trace

C14 trais, from Old French trait, ultimately from Latin trahere to drag