bench mark

6.4

A metal or stone mark in the ground that shows a known height to measure land

noun
/ˈbɛnʧ mɑrk/

: punto de referencia

The old stone post serves as a bench mark for all local land surveys in the region.

Examples

The surveyors placed a bench mark near the construction site to establish accurate elevation measurements.
The ancient stone pillar acts as a reliable bench mark for surveyors determining land heights in the area.
Before beginning the project, the engineers verified the location of the official bench mark.
The surveyor placed a bench mark at the site.
Can you see the bench mark on the map?
Before beginning the construction work, the engineers verified the position of the official bench mark to ensure accuracy.
To get accurate readings, the survey team placed a bench mark at key locations along the riverbank.

Synonyms

measure

vsbench mark

92 2.5

A standard used to compare people or things

is a physical permanent survey object specifying elevation and position

marker

vsbench mark

86 1.0

An object placed to show a position, boundary or route

is a permanent survey object that gives a recorded elevation and position

baseline

vsbench mark

Specialized

56 3.8

A starting point for comparing later results

is a permanent survey point used to measure other locations

reference point

vsbench mark

10 3.7

A known mark people use to compare or find position

is more specific as a permanent survey marker with known elevation

benchmark

vsbench mark

Specialized

5 5.7

A mark on a fixed object showing a known height for measuring land

is the same meaning but written as two words

How Permanent

bench mark

6.4

to stake

66 5.5

to mark

192 1.0

Surface Forms

bench mark singular

bench marks plural

Morphology

bench + mark

The components give a partial clue: 'mark' suggests a point or sign and 'bench' can imply a level or raised surface, so learners might infer the phrase refers to a marked position or level. However, the precise technical surveying sense (a permanent reference point indicating known elevation) is specialised and not fully predictable from the parts for a B1 learner without prior exposure.

Etymology

The noun bench mark comes from land surveyors who used a real stone bench or ledge and cut a small mark into it to record a fixed 'height' above sea level. That's why a bench mark today means a permanent 'reference point' used to measure other locations.