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indication

American  
[in-di-key-shuhn] / ˌɪn dɪˈkeɪ ʃən /

noun

indications plural
  1. anything serving to indicate or point out, as a sign or token.

    Synonyms:
    portent, intimation, hint
  2. Medicine/Medical. a special symptom or the like that points out a suitable remedy or treatment or shows the presence of a disease.

  3. an act of indicating.

  4. the degree marked by an instrument.


indication British  
/ ˌɪndɪˈkeɪʃən /

noun

  1. something that serves to indicate or suggest; sign

    an indication of foul play

  2. the degree or quantity represented on a measuring instrument or device

  3. the action of indicating

  4. something that is indicated as advisable, necessary, or expedient

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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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.

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Vocabulary lists containing indication

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

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