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Marker pen, or marker, is a term used to refer to various kinds of pens which have their own ink-source and usually a tip made of some porous material. When the tip is made of felt it can be called a felt-tipped pen. However, see dialectal variations, below.
A temporary marker uses an erasable ink - an ink that adheres to the writing surface without binding or being absorbed. Such non-permanent markers are intended for use on overhead projectors, whiteboards, or for use by children when adults want to be able to clean up after them.
Special "security" markers with fluorescent but otherwise invisible inks are used for marking valuables in case of burglary. The owner of a stolen, but recovered item can be detemined by using ultraviolet light to make the writing visible.
Dialectal variations
The use of the terms "marker" and "felt-tipped pen" varies significantly between different parts of the world. This is because most dialects of English contain words for particular types of marker, often generic brand names, but there are no such terms in widespread international use. Types of marker include:
- Large-tip markers, typically used for writing on non-paper surfaces.
- Medium-tip markers, typically used by children for colouring in.
- Fine-tip markers, typically used for writing on paper. (Here's an example on an external link.)
- Wide-tip markers, typically used for highlighting text that is already present on paper. (This device is usually called a highlighter.)
In Australia, the term "marker" usually refers only to large-tip markers, and the term "felt-tip pen" usually refers only to fine-tip markers. A medium-tip marker used for colouring in is called a texta. "Texta" is actually a brand name which has become generic, but most Australians are probably unaware that this is so. In parts of Australia, the word "texta" sometimes refers to a large-tip permanent marker (this usage is attested in South Australia), and in parts of Australia, the word "texta" sometimes refers to a fine-tip marker (this usage is attested in Western Australia). Also known in Queensland as a Niko pen.
"Magic Marker" and "Sharpie" are both generic brand names used for medium-tip markers in Canada and the United States of America. Sharpie, in particular, is often used to refer to medium-tip permanent markers used for labeling.
See also
Filzstift | Rotulador | Errotuladore | Stylo-feutre | Viltstift | Pisak | Filctoll
"Marker pen"