genetic marker

noun

Updated on: 7 Apr 2018

Definition of genetic marker

: 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

Recent Examples of genetic marker from the Web

In 2017, scientists created an Alzheimer’s test by sifting through data from 70,000 seniors and zooming in on 31 genetic markers associated with the disease.

— chelsea leu, WIRED, "How Science Is Solving Health Issues at All Stages of Life," 27 Mar. 2018
One Penn State research team is studying genetic markers in hopes of pinpointing the lanternfly’s place of origin in China.

— jonathan m. pitts, Washington Post, "Maryland is bracing for an invasion of lanternflies, and racing to slow their spread," 28 Feb. 2018
Last week, the lab provided composite drawings of what the killer likely looks like — both now and in 1991 — based on his genetic markers.

— sara jean green, The Seattle Times, "‘I feel that tip is out there’: Drawing created from DNA breathes hope into unsolved Federal Way killing," 24 Feb. 2018
But these physical or genetic markers alone don’t tell the whole story.

— maya wei-haas, Smithsonian, "The Odd, Tidy Story of Rabbit Domestication That Is Also Completely False," 14 Feb. 2018
Baccus also is working on the first study to determine the melanistic whitetails’ genetic markers.

— john goodspeed, San Antonio Express-News, "Rarest of the rare: Couple cherish black doe, fawn in North Bexar," 1 Feb. 2018
Since then, researchers have found that people with genetic markers for colorblindness and a specific blood type were susceptible to manic depression.

— sam roberts, New York Times, "Dr. Ronald Fieve, 87, Dies; Pioneered Lithium to Treat Mood Swings," 12 Jan. 2018
The discovery of genetic markers could help women and their doctors track and predict fertility decline as they age, according to that study.

— jacqueline howard, CNN, "Just how important is your egg count for fertility?," 10 Oct. 2017
In 2012, a separate team of scientists identified genetic markers in white and black women of reproductive age that were associated with FSH levels.

— jacqueline howard, CNN, "Just how important is your egg count for fertility?," 10 Oct. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'genetic marker.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of genetic marker

1932

Medical Dictionary

genetic marker

noun

medical Definition of genetic marker

: 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