biomarker

noun

bio·​mark·​er ˈbī-ō-ˌmär-kər 

: 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

Recent Examples on the Web

Doctors diagnose autism based on a person’s behavior, noting that there is no simple test for the condition, as there is for Covid or diabetes, said Arora, founder and CEO of a start-up company that researches biomarkers for autism and other neurological conditions. —Liz Szabo, NBC News, 22 Nov. 2024

The filing also details the company's efforts to develop new biomarkers and expand its AVISE® CTD test offerings, with plans to incorporate new biomarkers by the end of 2024. —Quartz Bot, Quartz, 12 Nov. 2024

For example, by making detailed assessments of a patient's biomarkers, healthcare professionals can better determine what genetic qualities influence their health, pain tolerance levels and response to treatments. —Dr. Anita Gupta, Forbes, 6 Nov. 2024

Honig would also like to see measurements of biomarkers in a future study, such as blood tests and brain scans to determine whether there are actual improvements in the disease, shown, for example by reductions in tau and/or amyloid in the brain, along with reducing symptoms. —Linda Carroll, NBC News, 1 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1973, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

biomarker

noun

bio·​mark·​er ˈbī-ō-ˌmär-kər 

: 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