biomarker

American

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

noun

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

another name for biological marker

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of biomarker

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

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Biogen noted that the treatment demonstrated “robust reductions” in both the levels of tau protein in cerebrospinal fluid, a key biomarker, and the buildup of tau protein in the brain.

From Barron's • May 14, 2026

Never mind that the FDA blessed the biomarker measure before Regenxbio had commenced its trial.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 24, 2026

At the International Working Group, a global consortium of neurologists and researchers, its criteria requires three things: the presence of amyloid; tau, another biomarker of Alzheimer’s disease; and cognitive symptoms.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 10, 2026

Researchers suggest these molecules could serve as a biomarker to measure disease severity and track how well treatments are working.

From Science Daily • Jan. 27, 2026

The researchers also point to a specific molecule that could serve as a future biomarker for identifying cardiovascular risk.

From Science Daily • Jan. 22, 2026

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023