Notch (noun)

  1. A V-shaped indentation or slit in a surface or edge, especially one made to hold something.
  2. A level or stage in a process or scale of values.

Origin:

From the middle english "notche" meaning "a cut or indentation".

Examples:

  1. The notch on the edge of the blade was for attaching a handle.
  2. He made a notch in the tree to mark his trail.
  3. The notch on the belt was for adjusting the size.
  4. The device had a notch to indicate the highest level.
  5. He moved up a notch in the company's hierarchy.
Some random words: hairbreadth, unseasonable, strum