noun / adjective
landmark
LAND-mark/ˈlændmɑːrk/
A distinctive feature used to recognize one's position.
The distinctive lighthouse serves as a landmark on the coastal headland.
Etymology
A landmark first marked a territorial boundary, then became a conspicuous object used to identify a place. Figuratively, it marks a significant point in history or experience rather than in a landscape.
In context
that little divot along the superior edge that's called the jugular or suprasternal notch. And that's a landmark that's usually pretty easily palpated during a physical exam.
More examples
- Use the church steeple as a landmark to find our street.
- We recognize familiar landmarks as the plane approaches the airport.
- That forked tree is the only landmark along this stretch of trail.
Forms
landmark · landmarks
Similar words
- marker
- Usually deliberately placed to indicate a location or boundary.
- reference point
- Any fixed location used for comparison, not necessarily distinctive.