demarcation

[dee-mahr-key-shuhn] Example Sentences Origin

de·mar·ca·tion

[dee-mahr-key-shuhn]
noun
1.
the determining and marking off of the boundaries of something.
2.
separation by distinct boundaries: line of demarcation.
Also, de·mar·ka·tion.


Origin:
1720–30; Latinization of Spanish demarcación (in linea de demarcación line of demarcation, dividing the world between Spain and Portugal) derivative of demarcar to mark out the bounds of, equivalent to de- de- + marcar < Italian marcare < Germanic; see mark1, -ation
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Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2012.
Cite This Source Link To demarcation

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Demarcation is always a great word to know.
So is callithumpian. Does it mean:
a fool or simpleton; ninny.
a children's mummer's parade, as on the Fourth of July, with prizes for the best costumes.
Example Sentences
  • She makes a demarcation between her public and private lives and counts few dance insiders among her close circle.
  • Frequently, a clear line of demarcation is established only through litigation.
  • Now, the lines of demarcation are blurry, the raised-letter wordings less exact.
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Collins
World English Dictionary
demarcation or demarkation (ˌdiːmɑːˈkeɪʃən)
 
n
1.  the act of establishing limits or boundaries
2.  a limit or boundary
3.  a.  a strict separation of the kinds of work performed by members of different trade unions
 b.  (as modifier): demarcation dispute
4.  separation or distinction (often in the phrase line of demarcation)
 
[C18: Latinized version of Spanish demarcación, from demarcar to appoint the boundaries of, from marcar to mark, from Italian marcare, of Germanic origin; see mark1]
 
demarkation or demarkation
 
n
 
[C18: Latinized version of Spanish demarcación, from demarcar to appoint the boundaries of, from marcar to mark, from Italian marcare, of Germanic origin; see mark1]

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Etymonline
Word Origin & History

demarcation
c.1752, from Sp. linea de demarcacion, or Port. linha de demarcaçao, line laid down by the Pope, May 4, 1493, dividing the New World between Spain and Portugal on a line 100 leagues west of the Cape Verde Islands. Applied from 1801 to other lines dividing regions.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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