hallmark

[ hawl-mahrk ]

noun

1. an official mark or stamp indicating a standard of purity, used in marking gold and silver articles assayed by the Goldsmiths' Company of London; plate mark.
2. any mark or special indication of genuineness, good quality, etc.
3. any distinguishing feature or characteristic:

   Accuracy is a hallmark of good scholarship.

verb (used with object)

1. to stamp or imprint (something) with a hallmark.

hallmark

/ ˈhɔːlˌmɑːk /

noun

1. an official series of marks, instituted by statute in 1300, and subsequently modified, stamped by the Guild of Goldsmiths at one of its assay offices on gold, silver, or platinum (since 1975) articles to guarantee purity, date of manufacture, etc
2. a mark or sign of authenticity or excellence
3. an outstanding or distinguishing feature

verb

1. tr to stamp with or as if with a hallmark

Other Words From

• hallmarker noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of hallmark¹

1715–25; Goldsmiths' Hall, London, the seat of the Goldsmiths' Company + mark ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of hallmark¹

C18: named after Goldsmiths' Hall in London, where items were graded and stamped

Example Sentences

Although the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood, scientists think that some of the hallmarks of diabetes -- such as high blood sugar, insulin resistance, and inflammation -- may encourage the development of dementia in the brain.

From Science Daily

They found four networks that exhibit hallmarks of habituation present in animal brains.

From Science Daily

And in terms of a group dynamic, she is someone who absolutely does not break a sweat when sharing her feelings and opinions, and that is the hallmark of a great housewife.”

From Los Angeles Times

It was a hint of the sternness of the ideas that became his hallmark, if not his personality, which his friends described as gentle.

From Salon

The desire to “screw” one’s enemies, a hallmark of the insecure leader, is the impulse that brought down Richard Nixon.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• indication
• trademark