genetic marker

noun

: a readily recognizable genetic trait, gene, DNA segment, or gene product used for identification especially when closely linked to a trait or genetic material that is difficult to identify

Examples of genetic marker in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In 2016, new forensic analysts found that the sample contained genetic markers from two people. —Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 27 Nov. 2024

This means the blood test markers and cancer genetic markers fall between those of stages 1 and 3—the cancer is no longer in its early stage but not yet in a more advanced stage. —Lindsay Curtis, Health, 1 Dec. 2024

In their Nature paper, Griffiths and Cheng’s team highlight genes and genetic markers for a variety of important traits, such as nutritional content and stress tolerance. —Byerik Stokstad, science.org, 17 June 2024

Efforts to pinpoint genetic markers of autism have raised serious concerns about eugenics — namely, that if parents could get a prenatal test for autism, many of them would choose not to have those children. —Celia Ford, Vox, 7 Dec. 2018

Word History

First Known Use

1932, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

genetic marker

noun

: a readily recognizable genetic trait, gene, DNA segment, or gene product used for identification purposes especially when closely linked to a trait or to genetic material that is difficult to identify

called also marker