marker

/mahr"keuhr/, n.

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. Genetics. See genetic marker.

6. Psychol. an object, as a book or topcoat left at a library table, used to establish territorial possession in a public place.

7. Ling.

a. an element of a construction, as a coordinating conjunction, that is not a part of either immediate constituent.

b. an element that indicates the grammatical class or function of a construction.

8. a small radio beacon, automatically operated, used for local navigation of vessels.

9. mile-marker.

10. Also called marker pen, marking pen. a pen designed for making bold, colorful, or indelible marks, as in making signs or identifying objects.

11. Slang.

a. a debt, esp. a gambling debt.

b. a written or signed promise to pay a debt, esp. a gambling debt; a promissory note or IOU.

12. Also called marker crude. Com. a grade of oil on which prices of other crude oils are based.

13. CB Radio Slang. one's location while driving on a highway, as determined by the nearest milepost.

[1480-90; MARK¹ + -ER¹]

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