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hallmark

Syllabification: (hall·mark)
Pronunciation: /ˈhôlˌmärk/
Translate hallmark | into French | into German | into Italian | into Spanish
Definition of hallmark

noun

  • a mark stamped on articles of gold, silver, or platinum in Britain, certifying their standard of purity.
  • a distinctive feature, especially one of excellence:the tiny bubbles are the hallmark of fine champagnes

verb

[with object]
  • stamp with a hallmark.
  • designate as distinctive, especially for excellence.

Origin:

early 18th century (as a noun): from Goldsmiths' Hall in London, England, where articles were tested and stamped with such a mark

hallmark in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of hallmark in the British & World English dictionary

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