milestone

Definition

A stone milepost (or by extension in other materials), one of a series of numbered markers placed along a road at regular intervals, typically at the side of the road or in a median.

Etymology

From mile + stone. Compare Dutch mijlsteen (“milestone”), German Low German Mielensteen (“milestone”), German Meilenstein (“milestone”), Swedish milsten (“milestone”).

Example Sentences

• "Death is another milestone on their way."
• "Creating a complete map of the human connectome would therefore be a monumental milestone but not the end of the journey to understanding how our brains work."
• "She bought the model as a surprise gift for a friend who is a lifelong HST fan and railwayman, and who will soon be celebrating a milestone birthday."

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