trace element

trace-element的词性：
n.（名词）

1. A chemical element required in minute quantities by an organism to maintain proper physical functioning.
微量元素：生物体所需要的以维持正常的生理功能的少量化学元素

2. A minute quantity or amount:
微小的量或数目：

“The trace elements of belief vanish when it becomes apparent that the . . . officer . . . never has suffered the indignity of combat”(Lewis H Lapham)
“当一切清楚地表明那官员从未蒙受过斗争的侮辱时，仅有的一点信仰都消失了”(刘易斯H拉伯姆)