biomarker

noun

bio·​mark·​er ˈbī-ō-ˌmär-kər How to pronounce biomarker (audio)
: a distinctive biological or biologically derived indicator (such as a metabolite) of a process, event, or condition (such as aging, disease, or oil formation)

Examples of biomarker in a Sentence

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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
New therapies, biomarker testing, evolving clinical evidence and rapidly changing treatment guidelines are transforming oncology into one of the fastest-moving fields in medicine. — Brad Kreick, Forbes.com, 16 Oct. 2026 Blood tests and biopsies are typically used to study immune biomarkers for skin diseases like psoriasis and vitiligo. — Erica Sweeney, Time, 15 Oct. 2026 Blood tests and physical exams abound in midlife, but for brain aging, there are three biomarkers Tucker recommends keeping an eye on. — Maggie Ryan, Flow Space, 14 Oct. 2026 Recognizing the early symptoms of lung cancer, expanding lung cancer screening eligibility and testing for genetic biomarkers to select the best therapy are some of the steps that could help address the global epidemic of lung cancer in women. — Estelamari Rodriguez, The Conversation, 14 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for biomarker

Word History

First Known Use

1973, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of biomarker was in 1973

Rhymes for biomarker

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Browse Nearby Words

biomagnification
biomarker
biomass
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Cite this Entry

“Biomarker.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/biomarker. Accessed 22 Oct. 2026.

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Medical Definition

biomarker

noun
bio·​mark·​er ˈbī-ō-ˌmär-kər How to pronounce biomarker (audio)
: a distinctive biological or biologically derived indicator (as a biochemical metabolite in the body) of a process, event, or condition (as aging, disease, or exposure to a toxic substance)
age-related biomarkers of disease and degenerative change—Janet Raloff
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