marker English · revision 15310

+ {{infobox|confidence=established|formation=derivation|attested=1486}}

+

+ ==Pronunciation==

+ * IPA: /ˈmɑː(ɹ)kə(ɹ)/^(Wiktionary)

+

+ ==Etymology==

+ It is an agent noun from [[mark]] and [[-er]].^(Etymonline) Old English had [[m|ang|mearcere|t=writer, notary]], glossing [[la|notārius|t=clerk]], but the word is not found again until the late 15th century, so the modern word is perhaps a separate formation.^(Etymonline)

+

+ ==Earliest recorded meaning==

+ One who marks game: 1486 in the OED, the late 15th century in Etymonline.^(OED 1989)^(Etymonline)

+

+ ==Semantic evolution==

+ One who keeps the score in games is from 1532,^(OED 1989) and one who puts a mark or stamp on things from 1553.^(OED 1989) In military drill a marker is a soldier placed as a guide in a formation, from 1796.^(OED 1989) A tool for marking is by 1725,^(Etymonline) a monument stone from 1888,^(Etymonline) and the felt-tipped marker pen from 1951.^(Etymonline)

+

+ ==Timeline==

+ * 1486 – one who marks game.^(OED 1989)

+ * 1532 – a scorer.^(OED 1989)

+ * 1725 – a marking tool.^(Etymonline)

+ * 1888 – a memorial stone.^(Etymonline)

+ * 1951 – a marker pen.^(Etymonline)

+

+ ==Modern meaning==

+ ===Noun===

+ # A pen with a felt tip, used for marking or writing.^(AHD)

+ # Something that marks a place or position, such as a [[bookmark]] or [[milestone]].^(AHD)

+ # A sign or indicator of something: ''a genetic marker''.^(AHD)

+ # A person who marks, such as one who keeps the score or grades papers.^(AHD)^(OED 1989)

+

+ ==Word family==

+ * [[biomarker]]

+ * [[genetic marker]]

+ * [[magic marker]]

+ * [[marker gene]]

+

+ ==Related words==

+ * [[mark]]

+ * [[highlighter]]

+

+ ==References==

+ {{reflist}}