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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
Just two weeks ago, Augusto published a study in the prestigious journal Nature about a genetic marker present in people who are likely to develop multiple sclerosis, a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system.
—Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 8 May 2024
The advice does not apply to women who’ve had breast cancer or those at very high risk of breast cancer because of genetic markers.
—Carla K. Johnson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 2024
There’s been a proliferation of various biological aging clocks, mathematical models that look at things like genetic markers or proteins in your body to make some estimation of an individual’s biological age.
—Angus Chen, STAT, 2 May 2024
The task force's new guidelines do not apply to women with a personal history of breast cancer, those who’ve had an abnormality on a previous biopsy or those with a genetic marker for breast cancer — those groups may need to be screened earlier and more frequently.
—Aria Bendix, NBC News, 30 Apr. 2024
Researchers were searching for the genetic markers of chromosomal mutations, including Down syndrome and a more rare variation known as Edwards syndrome, found on autosomal DNA.
—Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 20 Feb. 2024
The same genetic markers that tell cells and tissues to form a head in one species can result in different anatomy in other species.
—Lori Youmshajekian, Scientific American, 3 Nov. 2023
Both 23andMe and Ancestry measure between 500,000 and 700,000 different genetic markers like these.
—WIRED, 21 Sep. 2023
The researchers were looking for a particular genetic marker.
—Penelope Green, New York Times, 20 Oct. 2023
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'genetic marker.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1932, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near genetic marker
Cite this Entry
“Genetic marker.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/genetic%20marker. Accessed 16 Jun. 2024.
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
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