Definition

A person or thing that traces or follows something, often used to refer to a bullet that leaves a visible trail or a substance that can be tracked in a system.

Example

The detective hired a tracer to find the missing person.

Conversation

I heard they used a tracer to track the missing shipment.

Really? That's interesting! How does that work?

They usually add a dye or something to follow its path.

That sounds really effective for finding lost things.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Tracer → It is formed from "trace" (from Old French *tracier*, meaning to draw or mark) and "-er" (meaning a person who). A tracer is a person who draws or marks something, often used in contexts like tracing a path or outline.

Memory Tip

Think of someone who 'draws' or 'marks' ('trace') something, and the '-er' indicates that this person is doing the action. This helps you remember that a tracer is someone who traces.

Visually Confused Words