Crossword Genius

Detect hint of micronutrient (5,7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

trace element

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'micronutrient' is the definition.
Both the answer and definition are singular nouns.
Maybe you can see an association between them that I don't see?

'detect hint' is the wordplay.
'detect' becomes 'trace' (I've seen this before).
'hint' becomes 'element' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should give a lot more credence to this answer).
'trace'+'element'='TRACE ELEMENT'

'of' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for trace element that I've seen before include "Constituent present in only small amounts" , "Chemical present in small quantities" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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