memory trace: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Academic, Technical, Psychological
Quick answer
What does “memory trace” mean?
A theoretical physical or biochemical change in the brain representing stored information.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A theoretical physical or biochemical change in the brain representing stored information; the neural basis of a memory.
Used more generally to refer to any lasting record or imprint of a past event, whether neurological or metaphorical.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling follows regional norms ('neural' vs. 'neural', 'behaviour' vs. 'behavior' in surrounding text).
Connotations
Neutral and technical in both varieties.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American academic publishing due to the larger volume of neuroscience research, but the term is standard in both.
Grammar
How to Use “memory trace” in a Sentence
The memory trace of [event/experience] was found in the hippocampus.Researchers are trying to locate the memory trace for [specific skill].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “memory trace” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The experience was rapidly traced in the neural circuitry.
- The study aims to trace how memories are formed.
American English
- The event traced itself deeply in her hippocampus.
- Researchers are tracing the memory's pathway.
adverb
British English
- The memory was traced faintly in the cortex. (verb form with adverb)
- The data was analysed trace-by-trace.
American English
- The memory was traced permanently. (verb form with adverb)
- The signal was recorded trace-analogously.
adjective
British English
- The trace consolidation process is sleep-dependent.
- They studied trace memory mechanisms.
American English
- The memory-trace hypothesis is widely held.
- Trace strength was measured experimentally.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used. Potentially metaphorical: 'The memory trace of the brand's earlier failure affected consumer confidence.'
Academic
Primary context. Used in psychology, neuroscience, and cognitive science literature to discuss the physical basis of memory.
Everyday
Very rare. Would be used in simplified science communication: 'Scientists think each memory has a physical trace in the brain.'
Technical
Standard term in neuropsychology and memory research papers.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “memory trace”
- Using 'memory trace' as a synonym for 'recollection' or 'memory' itself (e.g., 'I have a memory trace of that day'). It refers to the *physical basis*, not the subjective experience.
- Confusing 'trace' with 'track'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A 'memory' is the conscious experience or information recalled. A 'memory trace' (or engram) is the hypothesized physical/neural representation in the brain that *gives rise to* that memory.
They are not in one single place. Different types of memories involve networks across multiple brain regions (e.g., hippocampus for episodic memory, cortex for long-term storage, amygdala for emotional components).
Theoretically, if the specific neural changes could be reversed. Research on 'memory extinction' and certain drugs suggests some memory traces can be weakened or their recall blocked, but true physical erasure in humans is not yet a clinical reality.
It is a well-established theoretical concept. Direct, definitive proof of a specific engram in a complex human brain is incredibly challenging, but extensive indirect evidence from brain imaging, lesion studies, and animal research strongly supports the existence of physical memory storage.
A theoretical physical or biochemical change in the brain representing stored information.
Memory trace is usually academic, technical, psychological in register.
Memory trace: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmem.ər.i treɪs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmem.ər.i treɪs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To leave a trace in the memory.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'trace' like a footprint in the sand. A 'memory trace' is the footprint that an experience leaves in the 'sand' of your brain.
Conceptual Metaphor
MEMORY IS A PHYSICAL OBJECT STORED IN A CONTAINER (THE BRAIN); REMEMBERING IS FINDING/REACTIVATING THAT OBJECT.
Practice
Quiz
What is the closest synonym for 'memory trace' in a technical neuroscience context?