Definition of mark

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mark >

mark¹    (märk) KEY 

NOUN:

1. A visible trace or impression, such as a line or spot.
2. A sign, such as a cross, made in lieu of a signature.
3. A written or printed symbol used for punctuation; a punctuation mark.
4. 1. A number, letter, or symbol used to indicate various grades of academic achievement: got a mark of 95 instead of 100.
   2. An appraisal; a rating. Often used in the plural: earned high marks from her superiors.
5. 1. An inscription, name, stamp, label, or seal placed on an article to signify ownership, quality, manufacture, or origin.
   2. A notch in an animal's ear or hide indicating ownership.
6. Nautical
   1. A knot or piece of material placed at various measured lengths on a sounding line to indicate the depth of the water.
   2. A Plimsoll mark.
7. 1. A distinctive trait or property: Good manners are the mark of a civilized person.
   2. A lasting effect: The experience had left its mark.
   3. Mark A particular mode, brand, size, or quality of a product, especially a weapon or machine.
8. A recognized standard of quality: schoolwork that is not up to the mark.
9. 1. Importance; prominence: "a fellow of no mark nor likelihood" (Shakespeare).
   2. Notice; attention: a matter unworthy of mark.
10. A target: "A mounted officer would be a conspicuous mark" (Ambrose Bierce).
11. Something that one wishes to achieve; a goal.
12. An object or point that serves as a guide.
13. Slang A person who is the intended victim of a swindler; a dupe.
14. 1. Sports The place from which racers begin and sometimes end their contest.
    2. A point reached or gained: the halfway mark of the race.
    3. A record: set a new mark in the long jump.
15. Sports
    1. A strike or spare in bowling.
    2. A stationary ball in lawn bowling; a jack.
16. A boundary between countries.
17. A tract of land in medieval England and Germany held in common by a community.
18. Computer Science A character or feature in a file, record, or data stream used to locate a specific point or condition.

VERB:
marked, mark·ing, marks
VERB:
tr.

1. 1. To make a visible trace or impression on, as with a spot, line, or dent.
   2. To form, make, or depict by making a mark: marked a square on the board.
   3. To supply with natural markings: gray fur that is marked with stripes.
2. 1. To single out or indicate by or as if by a mark: marked the spot where the treasure was buried; a career marked for glory.
   2. To distinguish or characterize: the exuberance that marks her writings; marked the occasion with celebrations.
   3. To make conspicuous: a concert marking the composer's 60th birthday.
3. To set off or separate by or as if by a line or boundary: marked off the limits of our property.
4. To attach or affix identification, such as a price tag or maker's label, to.
5. To evaluate (academic work) according to a scale of letters or numbers; grade.
6. 1. To give attention to; notice: Mark her expression of discontent. Mark my words: they are asking for trouble.
   2. To take note of in writing; write down: marked the appointment on my calendar.
   3. Sports & Games To record (the score) in various games.
7. Sports To guard (an opponent), as in soccer.

VERB:
intr.

1. To make a visible impression: This pen will mark under water.
2. To receive a visible impression: The floor marks easily.
3. Sports & Games To keep score.
4. To determine academic grades: a teacher who marks strictly.
5. Archaic To pay attention; notice.

PHRASAL VERBS:
mark down

To mark for sale at a lower price.

mark up

1. To deface by covering with marks.
2. To mark for sale at a higher price.

IDIOMS:
beside the mark

Beside the point; irrelevant.

mark time

1. To move the feet alternately in the rhythm of a marching step without advancing.
2. To suspend progress for the time being; wait in readiness.
3. To function in an apathetic or ineffective manner.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English, from Old English mearc; see merg- in Indo-European roots

SYNONYMS:
mark¹, brand, label, tag¹, ticket

These verbs mean to place a mark of identification on: marked the items on the list with a check; brand cattle; labeled the boxes; tagged suitcases; ticketed the new merchandise. See also Synonyms at sign.