biomarker

noun

bio·​mark·​er ˈbī-ō-ˌmär-kər 

: a distinctive biological or biologically derived indicator (such as a metabolite) of a process, event, or condition (such as aging, disease, or oil formation)

Examples of biomarker in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Increases in pTau217 frequently happened before amyloid PET scans became positive — highlighting the biomarker’s ability to detect changes earlier. —Rick Sobey, Boston Herald, 14 Apr. 2026

And in 2025, UCSD researchers were awarded $25 million to develop biomarkers capable of anticipating tumor evolution and predicting how malignancies will respond to treatment. —Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Apr. 2026

Triglycerides have long been considered a biomarker for vascular disease. —Brianna Abbott, STAT, 7 Apr. 2026

Three years ago, New York state took a huge step forward by expanding access to biomarker testing, which is said to be a game changer in cancer care. —Jenna Deangelis, CBS News, 7 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1973, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for biomarker

• barker
• darker
• marker
• starker

Medical Definition

biomarker

noun

bio·​mark·​er ˈbī-ō-ˌmär-kər 

: a distinctive biological or biologically derived indicator (as a biochemical metabolite in the body) of a process, event, or condition (as aging, disease, or exposure to a toxic substance)

age-related biomarkers of disease and degenerative change

—Janet Raloff