demarcation

or de·mar·ka·tion

[ dee-mahr-key-shuhn ]

noun

1. the determining and marking off of the boundaries of something.
2. separation by distinct boundaries:

   line of demarcation.

demarcation

/ ˌdiːmɑːˈkeɪʃən /

noun

1. the act of establishing limits or boundaries
2. a limit or boundary
3. 1. a strict separation of the kinds of work performed by members of different trade unions
   2. ( as modifier )

      demarcation dispute

4. separation or distinction (often in the phrase line of demarcation )

Word History and Origins

Origin of demarcation¹

1720–30; Latinization of Spanish demarcación (in linea de demarcación line of demarcation, dividing the world between Spain and Portugal) derivative of demarcar to mark out the bounds of, equivalent to de- de- + marcar < Italian marcare < Germanic; mark ¹, -ation

Word History and Origins

Origin of demarcation¹

C18: Latinized version of Spanish demarcación, from demarcar to appoint the boundaries of, from marcar to mark, from Italian marcare, of Germanic origin; see mark ¹

Related Words

• delimitation
• separation