demarcation

/ˈdimɑrˌkeɪʃən/

Other forms: demarcations

A demarcation is a line, boundary, or other conceptual separation between things. Geographically, a demarcation might be the border that separates two countries or the river that divides two regions.

Demarcation comes from the German word for mark. Although it's often used as a term regarding geographical borders and boundaries, it can also be used to describe lines between categories or groups. For example, a definite demarcation exists between people who love the Boston Red Sox and those who love the New York Yankees.

Definitions of demarcation

1. noun

   the boundary of a specific area
   synonyms: demarcation line, limit

   types:

   edge

   the outside limit of an object or area or surface; a place farthest away from the center of something

   city limit, city limits

   the limits of the area occupied by a city or town

   upper limit

   the limit on the upper (or northernmost) side of something

   lower limit

   the limit on the lower (or southernmost) side of something

   three-mile limit

   the limit of a nation's territorial waters

   border

   a strip forming the outer edge of something

   hem

   the edge of a piece of cloth; especially the finished edge that has been doubled under and stitched down

   luff

   (nautical) the forward edge of a fore-and-aft sail that is next to the mast

   border, molding, moulding

   a decorative recessed or relieved surface on an edge

   selvage, selvedge

   the edge of a fabric that is woven so that it will not ravel or fray

   berm, shoulder

   a narrow edge of land (usually unpaved) along the side of a road

   roadside, wayside

   edge of a way or road or path

   type of:

   bound, boundary, bounds

   the line or plane indicating the limit or extent of something
2. noun

   a conceptual separation or distinction
   synonyms: contrast, dividing line, line

   types:

   Rubicon, point of no return

   a line that when crossed permits of no return and typically results in irrevocable commitment

   type of:

   differentiation, distinction

   a discrimination between things as different and distinct