n.
Pronunciation: ' bench- ˌ märk
Function: noun
Date: circa 1842
1 usually bench mark : a mark on a permanent object indicating elevation and serving as a reference in topographic surveys and tidal observations
2 a : a point of reference from which measurements may be made b : something that serves as a standard by which others may be measured or judged c : a standardized problem or test that serves as a basis for evaluation or comparison (as of computer system performance)