watermark
watermark Lexical Profile
watermark Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A translucent logo, text, or pattern superimposed onto a digital image, video, or document to indicate copyright ownership and discourage unauthorized copying.
"The photographer placed a subtle watermark in the corner of every preview image uploaded to her portfolio."
A faint design made in some paper during manufacture that is visible when held against the light, typically used to identify the maker or prevent counterfeiting.
"The cashier held the banknote up to the light to check for the official watermark."
A line or mark indicating the height to which a body of water has risen or fallen, especially the high or low limit of the tide.
"A dark watermark along the stone seawall showed just how high the river had risen during the spring flood."
• verb
To impress or embed an identifying design, logo, or digital code into paper or a digital file to prove authenticity or ownership.
"The stock agency automatically watermarks all sample photographs before displaying them online."
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Coined in the late 16th century from 'water' and 'mark', originally referring to the line left by a tide or flood, and applied in the early 18th century to the translucent design impressed onto damp paper during manufacturing.