marker

[ mahr-ker ]

noun

1. a person or thing that marks.
2. something used as a mark or indication, as a bookmark or tombstone.
3. a person who records the scores, points, etc., as in a game or contest.
4. a counter used in card playing.
5. Digital Technology. a navigation pointer or other indicator in a graphical user interface: Place markers at the beginning and end of your selection to trim your video in edit mode.

   Dragging the marker up the sound bar will increase the volume.

   Place markers at the beginning and end of your selection to trim your video in edit mode.

6. Genetics. genetic marker.
7. Psychology. an object, as a book or topcoat left at a library table, used to establish territorial possession in a public place.
8. Linguistics.
   1. an element of a construction, as a coordinating conjunction, that is not a part of either immediate constituent.
   2. an element that indicates the grammatical class or function of a construction.
9. a small radio beacon, automatically operated, used for local navigation of vessels.
10. mile-marker.
11. Also called mark·er pen, a pen designed for making bold, colorful, or indelible marks, as in making signs or identifying objects.
12. Slang.
    1. a debt, especially a gambling debt.
    2. a written or signed promise to pay a debt, especially a gambling debt; a promissory note or IOU.
13. Also called mark·er crude. Commerce. a grade of oil on which prices of other crude oils are based.
14. Citizens Band Radio Slang. one's location while driving on a highway, as determined by the nearest milepost.

ˈmarker

/ ˈmɑːkə /

noun

1. 1. something used for distinguishing or marking
   2. ( as modifier )

      a marker buoy

2. a person or thing that marks
3. a person or object that keeps or shows scores in a game
4. a trait, condition, gene, or substance that indicates the presence of, or a probable increased predisposition to, a medical or psychological disorder See biological marker genetic marker medical marker

Word History and Origins

Origin of marker¹

First recorded in 1480–90; mark ¹ + -er ¹

Example Sentences

Depending on chemical markers placed on these histones, the chromatin can be wound tightly -- preventing transcription factors from binding -- or loosely, making it accessible for generating mRNA copies.

From Science Daily

Campaign group the Molly Rose Foundation welcomed what it called an "important marker for Ofcom to be bolder" but said that should not obscure the fact that the OSA needed to be strengthened.

From BBC

After Trump’s victory, McCoy joked from the pulpit: “This week, Charlie’s going back to Washington to meet with the president because he’s going to call in his markers.”

From Los Angeles Times

Historians say the colonial administrators put down any rebellions and often burnt Naga villages to subdue them, in the process erasing much of their important cultural markers such as paintings, engravings and artefacts.

From BBC

Epigenetics is the part of genetics that's based not on the sequence of genetic building blocks but on small yet characteristic chemical markers on these building blocks.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• flag
• gravestone
• indicator
• pole
• stone
• tombstone