Tracable

Tracable describes something that can be followed, discovered, or ascertained through a series of steps or records, enabling one to determine its origin, path, or cause. This applies to physical objects, information, events, or even the origins of ideas. It implies the existence of an audit trail or a clear connection linking a present state to its past. The ability to be traceable is crucial in various contexts, from manufacturing and supply chains to historical research and forensic investigations, ensuring accountability, verification, and the identification of problems or sources.

Tracable meaning with examples

• The manufacturer implemented a strict system to make all their products traceable, allowing consumers to easily verify the origin of the materials used and ensure they are ethically sourced. This builds consumer trust and helps maintain supply chain integrity.
• During the investigation, detectives found that the suspect's online activity was meticulously traceable, revealing a pattern of communication and planning that ultimately linked them to the crime. The digital footprint proved invaluable.
• Historians are painstakingly working to make the provenance of the artwork traceable, documenting ownership and exhibition history to establish its authenticity and safeguard against forgeries, as well as verifying that the original artist can be verified.
• To address the food safety concerns, authorities made it mandatory to keep records that make ingredients traceable from farm to table, allowing rapid identification of the source of any contamination and facilitating effective recalls.