Demarcation

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /ËŒdÉ›mɑː(ɹ)ˈkeɪʃən/
• Rhymes: -eɪʃən

Alternative forms

• demarkation

Origin

First recorded c.1752, from Spanish linea de demarcacion and/or Portuguese linha de demarcação, the demarcation line laid down by the Pope on May 4, 1493, dividing the New World between Spain and Portugal on a line 100 leagues west of the Cape Verde Islands. Both derive from demarcar, from de- + marcar ("to mark"), from Italian marcare, from the Germanic root of march.

Full definition of demarcation

Noun

1. The act of marking off a boundary or setting a limit, notably by belligerents signing a treaty or ceasefire.
2. A limit thus fixed, in full demarcation line.
3. Any strictly defined separation''There is an alleged, in fact somewhat artificial demarcation in the type of work done by members of different trade unions.

Derived terms

• demarcate (back-formation)
• demarcated

Related terms

• demarc
• demarcation line
• demark