n.
Pronunciation: ' tr ā -s ə r
Function: noun
Date: 14th century
1 : one that traces, tracks down, or searches out: as a : a person who traces missing persons or property and especially goods lost in transit b : an inquiry sent out in tracing a shipment lost in transit
2 : one who traces designs, patterns, or markings
3 : a device (as a stylus) used in tracing
4 a : ammunition containing a chemical composition to mark the flight of projectiles by a trail of smoke or light b : a substance used to trace the course of a chemical or biological process especially : LABEL 3D