n.
Pronunciation: ' märk
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English mearc boundary, march, sign; akin to Old High German marha boundary, Latin margo
Date: before 12th century
1 : a boundary land
2 a (1) : a conspicuous object serving as a guide for travelers (2) : something (as a line, notch, or fixed object) designed to record position b : one of the bits of leather or colored bunting placed on a sounding line at intervals c : TARGET d : the starting line or position in a track event e (1) : GOAL , OBJECT (2) : an object of attack, ridicule, or abuse specifically : a victim or prospective victim of a swindle (3) : the point under discussion (4) : condition of being correct or accurate <her observations are on the mark > f : a standard of performance, quality, or condition : NORM <not feeling up to the mark lately>
3 a (1) : SIGN , INDICATION <gave her the necklace as a mark of his esteem> (2) : an impression (as a scratch, scar, or stain) made on something (3) : a distinguishing trait or quality : CHARACTERISTIC <the mark s of an educated person> b : a symbol used for identification or indication of ownership c : a cross made in place of a signature d (1) : TRADEMARK (2) capitalized ― used with a numeral to designate a particular model of a weapon or machine < Mark II> e : a written or printed symbol (as a comma or colon) f : POSTMARK g : a symbol used to represent a teacher's estimate of a student's work or conduct especially : GRADE h : a figure registering a point or level reached or achieved <the halfway mark in the first period of play> especially : RECORD
4 a : ATTENTION , NOTICE <nothing worthy of mark > b : IMPORTANCE , DISTINCTION <stands out as a person of mark > c : a lasting or strong impression d : an assessment of merits : RATING <got high mark s for honesty>
synonyms see SIGN