trace

Concise Oxford English Dictionary © 2008 Oxford University Press:
trace1

▶verb

• 1 find by investigation.

  ■ find or describe the origin or development of.

• 2 follow the course or position of with one's eye, mind, or finger.

• 3 copy (a drawing, map, or design) by drawing over its lines on a superimposed piece of transparent paper.

  ■ draw (a pattern or line).

• 4 give an outline of; describe.

▶noun

• 1 a mark, object, or other indication of the existence or passing of something.

  ■ a physical change in the brain associated with a memory.

• 2 a very small quantity.

  ■ a barely discernible indication: a trace of a smile.

• 3 a line or pattern corresponding to something which is being recorded or measured.

  ■ the projection or intersection of a curve on or with a plane.

• 4 a procedure to trace something, such as the source of a telephone call.

• 5 Mathematics the sum of the elements in the principal diagonal of a square matrix.

• 6 N. Amer. & W. Indian a path or track.

– derivatives
traceability noun,
traceable adjective,
traceless adjective.

– origin ME: from OFr. trace (n.), tracier (v.), based on L. tractus (see tract1).

Concise Oxford English Dictionary © 2008 Oxford University Press:
trace2

▶noun each of the two side straps, chains, or ropes by which a horse is attached to a vehicle that it is pulling.

– phrases
kick over the traces Brit. become insubordinate or reckless.

– origin ME: from OFr. trais, pl. of trait (see trait).