definitions

genetic marker

noun

any distinct inheritable indicator of identity and ancestry.
HLA antigen.
a chromosomal landmark or allele that allows for the tracing of a specific region of DNA, as in the study of recombination.

RELATED CONTENT

What Does ⏱️ Stopwatch Emoji Mean?The stopwatch emoji depicts a silver stopwatch, which is used to time something, such as a race ... you know, before we had them on phones.
READ MORE
💯100 Emoji - Emoji by Dictionary.comRead more in this article about some frequently asked questions and fun facts related to our definitions.
READ MORE

Nearby words

genetic immunity, genetic lethal, genetic load, genetic male, genetic map, genetic marker, genetic psychology, genetic relationship, genetic screening, genetic testing, genetically modified

Origin of genetic marker

First recorded in 1945–50
Also called marker, marker gene.
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

British Dictionary definitions for genetic marker

genetic marker

noun

a gene with two or more alternative forms, producing readily identifiable variations in a particular character, used in studies of linkage, genetic mapping, and identification of the presence of other genes that are closely linked to, and therefore usually inherited with, it
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

Medicine definitions for genetic marker

genetic marker

n.

A gene phenotypically associated with a particular, easily identified trait and used to identify an individual or cell carrying that gene.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.

Science definitions for genetic marker

genetic marker

A gene or DNA sequence having a known location on a chromosome. Genetic markers associated with certain diseases can be used to determine whether an individual is at risk for developing an inherited disease.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.