oligoelements

[/ˌɒlɪɡoʊˈɛləmənts/]
nounpl: oligoelements
oligoelementos
1. Chemical elements required by living organisms in very small quantities (trace amounts), essential for various biological functions but needed in minimal concentrations
Zinc, copper, and iron are important oligoelements for human health.
Zinco, cobre e ferro são oligoelementos importantes para a saúde humana.
2. Micronutrients present in minute quantities in soil, water, or food that are vital for proper metabolic function
The soil was enriched with oligoelements to improve crop yield.
O solo foi enriquecido com oligoelementos para melhorar a produção agrícola.
This term is primarily used in scientific, medical, and nutritional contexts in both Brazil and Portugal. In Brazil, it appears frequently in discussions about nutrition, agriculture, and health supplements. The term reflects the importance placed on comprehensive nutritional knowledge in Portuguese-speaking healthcare and agricultural sectors.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
trace elementsmicronutrientsminor elementsultramicronutrients
Antonyms / Antônimos
macroelementsmacronutrients

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
oligoelementos
standard medical and nutritional terminology
São Paulo
oligoelementos
commonly used in academic and healthcare contexts
Portugal
oligoelementos
same usage, sometimes also called 'elementos vestigiais'
USA
trace elements / oligoelements
'trace elements' is more commonly used than 'oligoelements' in American English

Related Words

oligoelementaltrace mineralsmicronutrientsbioavailabilitymineral deficiency

Related Idioms & Phrases

trace element supplementation
oligoelement deficiency
micronutrient balance
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