indication
Americannoun
-
anything serving to indicate or point out, as a sign or token.
- Synonyms:
- portent, intimation, hint
-
Medicine/Medical. a special symptom or the like that points out a suitable remedy or treatment or shows the presence of a disease.
-
an act of indicating.
-
the degree marked by an instrument.
noun
-
something that serves to indicate or suggest; sign
an indication of foul play
-
the degree or quantity represented on a measuring instrument or device
-
the action of indicating
-
something that is indicated as advisable, necessary, or expedient
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Inflected Forms
Nouns
Etymology
Origin of indication
First recorded in 1535–45, indication is from the Latin word indicātiōn- (stem of indicātiō ). See indicate, -ion
Explanation
An indication is a sign––it indicates, or suggests, some conclusion. The way you blush furiously when a certain someone talks to you is an indication that you have a crush on them. An indication is like a clue, or a suggestion, but it's not proof. If someone is weaving all over the place when they walk, that could be an indication that they’re drunk. But then again, it could indicate an inner-ear infection that has ruined their balance. The verb, indicate, literally means to point out, by using your index finger. But indications don’t require actual fingers pointing to a cause.
Vocabulary lists containing indication
The Vocabulary.com Top 1000
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Words for the High School Graduate
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Academic Vocabulary Toolkit 1, Words 51-60
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Previously protected by European law, the pies now fall under the UK Geographical Indication scheme which protects the geographic names of registered food, drink and agricultural products.
From BBC • Mar. 13, 2022
It is also proving to be “black gold” for some of its once-impoverished farmers, thanks in part to Kampot pepper last year being awarded a Protected Geographical Indication by the European Union.
From Seattle Times • Jan. 24, 2017
In 2010, the Cambodian government accorded Kampot pepper Geographical Indication status, linking the spice to its origins and giving it a certain panache.
From New York Times • Feb. 19, 2015
Indication of a species in an extinction vortex: the ocellated turkey on the Yucatan peninsula, Mexico.
From Scientific American • Jan. 16, 2013
General Indication of Cure in Pleuro-Pneumonia.—Restore the suppressed evacuations, or the secretions and excretions, if they are obstructed.
From The American Reformed Cattle Doctor by Dadd, George
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.