biomarker

American  

[bahy-oh-mahr-ker] / ˈbaɪ oʊˌmɑr kər /

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 British  

/ ˈbaɪəʊˌmɑːkə /

noun

1. another name for biological marker

---

Etymology

Origin of biomarker

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

Example Sentences

Using a specially designed analysis tool, scientists at Brown University have identified a brain-based biomarker that may help predict whether mild cognitive impairment will progress into Alzheimer's disease.

From Science Daily

A biomarker based on brain activity itself offers a more direct look at how neurons are functioning under this stress, said David Zhou, a postdoctoral researcher in Jones' lab at Brown who will lead the next stage of the research.

From Science Daily

This recovery was also reflected in blood tests, which showed normalized levels of phosphorylated tau 217, a recently approved clinical biomarker used to diagnose Alzheimer's in people.

From Science Daily

These findings provided strong evidence of disease reversal and highlighted a potential biomarker for future human trials.

From Science Daily

"If you have high cholesterol, it doesn't mean that you will have a heart attack soon. But it's time to take drugs to lower your cholesterol levels to prevent that heart attack from happening down the road. NU-9 could play a similar role. If someone has a biomarker signaling Alzheimer's disease, then they could start taking NU-9 before symptoms appear."

From Science Daily