transitive. To follow or trace (a trail, series, scent, etc.); to discover (someone or something) by tracking or tracing; esp. to trace (a…

figurative. To follow the course, development, or history of. Also with the course, etc. as object.

transitive. To trace or pursue in thought or argument, esp. backwards in time. Obsolete.

To find out and follow (a track, course, etc.).

transitive. To follow back through preceding stages or phases; to trace back to an origin or source. Occasionally reflexive.