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Glite Dictionary
genetic marker

genetic marker

8 4.3
A small piece of DNA on a chromosome that scientists use to identify people and follow traits in families
  • noun
  • /dʒəˈnɛtɪk ˈmɑrkər/
  • Specialized
translation icon : marcador genético
  • The study focused on genetic markers that can help trace inheritance patterns within families.
  • identify genetic markers
  • use genetic markers

Examples

  • Researchers have identified several genetic markers that indicate predisposition to certain diseases.

  • Not only that, they bore certain genetic markers found only in Native American populations.

    Academic text (2008)

  • I did find a common genetic marker between the two of them, and in fact there is another two in the greater Los Angeles area.

    Cross (2011)

  • The sister deemed more French shares genetic markers with people currently living in France.

  • The new test looks for those genetic markers in people's DNA.

    Blog text (17)

  • Each of us has genetic markers that we inherited from ancestors.

    Academic text (2006)

  • Another limitation concerns the genetic markers used in this study.

    Academic text (2012)

  • Have them check the common genetic markers between Milly and the other victim and see if there's something there.

    Cross (2011)

  • "We have about 2,000 genetic markers to help us locate genes," says Cheng.

    Academic text (2000)

  • Differences in inheritance patterns of different genetic markers have permitted some remarkable inferences regarding the ecology of marine animals.

    Academic text (2009)

Synonyms

marker
vsgenetic marker
71 2.0

A sign or symbol that shows who something belongs to

is a specific DNA sequence used to identify individuals and track inheritance

Surface Forms

genetic marker singular
genetic markers plural

Morphology

genetic + marker

The meaning is directly compositional: 'genetic' (relating to genes) + 'marker' (a sign or identifier) yields 'an identifier in genetics,' so a learner who knows both words can infer it denotes something used to identify or track genetically. This adjective+noun pattern is cross-linguistically common and transparent, though detailed technical nuances would require domain knowledge beyond B1.

Etymology

The term genetic marker comes from the idea of a marker — like a flag on a map — placed on genetic material called DNA to show a clear spot. Scientists use that piece of DNA as a marker to 'identify' people or to 'track' how traits pass in families, so the term means a DNA spot used to identify or follow inheritance.