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.

He described the trial as "a critical part of the Blood Biomarker Challenge, which we hope will take us a step forward in revolutionising the way we diagnose dementia."

From BBC • Sep. 9, 2025

Biomarker analyses supported the diagnoses of Alzheimer's disease in two patients with the diagnosis, and was suggestive of Alzheimer's in one other person; an autopsy analysis showed Alzheimer's pathology in another patient.

From Science Daily • Jan. 29, 2024

Biomarker An indicator that can objectively measure the normal or pathological state of an organism, the degree of response to a drug, etc., using proteins, DNA, RNA, metabolites, etc.

From Science Daily • Jan. 2, 2024

The NHS Blood Biomarker Challenge will look to recruit at least 1,000 NHS patients.

From BBC • Nov. 8, 2023

Biomarker levels in these samples provide a baseline reading.

From Scientific American • May 1, 2011

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