Tracer

usgb/ˈtreɪsər/
noun

A substance or device used to follow the movement or path of something.

The scientists used a chemical tracer to track the movement of the drug in the patient's body.
Visual representation of "tracer" - A substance or device used to follow the movement or path of something

Often appears as...

  • radioactive tracer
  • chemical tracer

Usage tips

Technical

Definition 1 of 4
Visual representation of "tracer"
LampPro Tip 1/2

Tracking Usage

Used in scientific and medical contexts to describe how something is followed or monitored over time.

Illustration for Tracking Usage
Doctors injected a tracer to observe the cancer's response to treatment.
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Not Physical

'Tracer' in this context often refers to abstract tracking methods, like a signal, not a physical object.

Illustration for Not Physical
They added a fluorescent tracer to the water sample.
Visual representation of the word "Tracer"

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