land|mark

land|mark «LAND _MAHRK», noun, adjective, verb.

–n.

1. something familiar or easily seen, used as a guide: »

The hiker did not lose his way in the forest because the rangers' high tower served as a landmark.

2. Figurative. an important fact or event; a happening that stands out above others: »

The inventions of the printing press, the telephone, the radio, and television are landmarks in the history of communications.

3. a historic building, monument, or site: »

Under the Landmarks Law, the exterior of a landmark building must be preserved, but there are no restrictions on interior remodeling (Ada Louise Huxtable).

4. a stone or other object that marks the boundary of a piece of land: »

Thou shalt not remove thy neighbour's landmark (Deuteronomy 19:14).

–adj.

U.S. serving as a guide in future judicial ruling; setting a legal precedent: »

a landmark Supreme Court decision.

–v.t.

to mark by a landmark; indicate as if by a landmark: »

Wakeful and missing little, and landmarking the flylike dance of the planets... (Ted Hughes).