defining marker

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "defining marker" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a characteristic or feature that clearly identifies or distinguishes something. Example: "In the study of linguistics, a defining marker of a dialect can be its unique pronunciation patterns."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

It is well established that over the last decade the seasonally migrating creatures at the top of the economic food chain have turned the pursuit of contemporary art into a defining marker of wealth and social status.

The New York Times

The transcription factor GATA3 is a defining marker of the luminal subtypes.

Breast Cancer Research

Further refinements are needed for optimization of cell viability and defining marker combinations specific for mesenchymal subpopulations.

Arthritis Research and Therapy

Potent antigen cross-presenting DC were recently discovered in the human blood, their defining marker being CD141 (as recognized by the BDCA-3 antibody) 43464346

Experimental Dermatology

In agreement, CD4+ splenocytes that co‐express the Treg defining marker, Foxp3, were expanded in ≥20‐month compared with 2 3‐month‐old mice (Fig.  1D).

Aging Cell

In this study we have generated a high-resolution binding map of Drosophila HP1, a defining marker of heterochromatin, in the white-mottled PEV model.

Epigenetics and Chromatin

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

To this end and by the use of bioinformatics, the molecular pathways, the defining markers, as well as the microenvironmental and genetic factors, which are implicated in the maintenance of stemness, chemo- and radioresistance in BCSCs, are identified and presented.

Cancer Letters

There is a great need of designing novel therapeutic strategies and proteome analysis is one approach for defining markers useful for tumour diagnosis, as well as molecular targets for novel experimental therapies.

Journal of Chromatography B

The first three are defining markers for D4a.

Plosone

Efforts to isolate these stem cells are, however, mired in an impasse where the lack of purified lineage-restricted stem cells has hindered the identification of defining markers for these rare stem cells and, in turn, their isolation.

Plosone

The enriched loci identified in this study are 3206T, 8473C, 14979C and 10410C of which the first three are defining markers for D4a and the fourth (10410C) is enriched (80% to 20%) in D4a compared to its wild-type form 10410T.

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "defining marker", ensure that the marker clearly and unambiguously identifies the subject you are describing. Provide context to clarify the marker's significance.

Common error

Avoid presenting a "defining marker" as the only indicator, as this can oversimplify complex scenarios. Acknowledge that other factors might also contribute.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "defining marker" functions primarily as a noun modifier + noun, where "defining" modifies the noun "marker". It specifies that the marker is crucial for identifying or characterizing something. This aligns with Ludwig AI's assessment of the phrase as grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

70%

News & Media

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "defining marker" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that serves to identify a key attribute or characteristic, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. While relatively uncommon, this expression is frequently encountered in scientific and academic contexts, and occasionally in news media. It aims to clearly pinpoint features that allow differentiation and understanding. Consider alternatives such as "distinctive characteristic" or "key identifier" to diversify your writing. When employing "defining marker", ensure the chosen characteristic is both accurate and relevant to the subject matter.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

defining characteristic

Similar to "defining marker" but utilizes 'characteristic', emphasizing a distinguishing feature.

defining attribute

Similar to "defining marker" but uses attribute instead of marker, focusing on inherent qualities.

distinctive characteristic

Focuses on the quality that distinguishes something, emphasizing its uniqueness.

key identifier

Highlights the role of the marker as a means of recognition or identification.

distinguishing factor

Emphasizes the role of the marker in differentiating one thing from another.

hallmark feature

Implies that the marker is a typical or prominent attribute.

significant feature

Highlights the importance and prominence of the marker.

identifying trait

Underscores the marker's role in recognizing or classifying something.

characteristic element

Highlights the marker as a component that defines the whole.

essential indicator

Focuses on the marker's role in signaling or indicating a specific condition or state.

FAQs

How can I use "defining marker" in a sentence?

Use "defining marker" to highlight a key characteristic that identifies a subject. For example, "High expression of the protein is a "defining marker" of the activated T-cells".

What are some alternatives to "defining marker"?

You can use alternatives such as "distinctive characteristic", "key identifier", or "hallmark feature" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "defining marker" and "identifying trait"?

"Defining marker" typically refers to something that distinctly characterizes a specific condition or entity. "Identifying trait" is a more general term for any attribute used for recognition.

When is it appropriate to use "defining marker" in scientific writing?

In scientific writing, use "defining marker" when referring to a specific characteristic or biomarker that is consistently associated with a particular condition, cell type, or process, and that can be used to identify it reliably.