demarcation

 
Pronunciation: /diːmɑːˈkeɪʃ(ə)n/

noun

[mass noun]
  • the action of fixing the boundary or limits of something: the demarcation of the maritime border
  • [count noun] a dividing line: a horizontal band that produces a distinct demarcation two inches from the top figurative the demarcation between teachers and learners
  • British the practice of requiring that specific jobs be assigned to members of particular trade unions: strikes over job demarcation

Derivatives

demarcator

Pronunciation: /ˈdiː-/
noun

Origin:

early 18th century: from Spanish demarcación, from demarcar 'mark the bounds of', ultimately of Germanic origin and related to mark1. Originally used in the phrase line of demarcation (Spanish línea de demarcación, Portuguese linha de demarcação), the word denoted a line dividing the New World between the Spanish and Portuguese, laid down by the Pope in 1493