biomarker

[ bahy-oh-mahr-ker ]

noun

1. a distinct biochemical, genetic, or molecular characteristic or substance that is an indicator of a particular biological condition or process:

   a blood test to measure protein biomarkers for cancer.

biomarker

/ ˈbaɪəʊˌmɑːkə /

noun

1. See biological marker
   another name for biological marker

Word History and Origins

Origin of biomarker¹

First recorded in 1970–75; bio- ( def ) + marker ( def )

Example Sentences

Discovery of volatile biomarkers of Parkinson’s disease from sebum.

From Nautilus

There are many incurable diseases, such as schizophrenia, that don’t have a biomarker related to the brain.

From Nautilus

Matching up patients with the treatments that fit them best is one of the things being unlocked by advances in biomarker testing.

From Ars Technica

I’m 74 years old, and I have the biomarkers of somebody who was, I think, in their 30s or 40s.

From Ozy

Astronauts also exhibited decreased levels of biomarkers associated with aging and increased levels of microRNAs that regulate the vascular system’s response to radiation damage and microgravity.

From MIT Technology Review