denoting

[dih-noh-ting]

adjective

1. being a name or designation for something; meaning or referring to something.

   Bertrand Russell initially assumed that every denoting phrase—such as "Scott," "the number two," or "the golden mountain"—had to refer to an actually existing entity.

2. being a symbol that represents or stands for something.

   When any design in metal or pottery is registered as copyright, the denoting mark is impressed upon each article as it is made.

3. being an indicator or sign of something; identifying.

   The denoting signs of a company in financial distress usually include salary cuts, layoffs, and the resignation of top executives.

noun

1. the act or fact of naming, representing, indicating, or referring to something by means of a symbol, word, phrase, label, etc..

   One thing that helps to standardize the spelling of placenames is the denoting of them by government-erected road signs.

Word History and Origins

Origin of denoting¹

First recorded in 1885–90; denot(e) ( def. ) + -ing ² ( def. ) for the adjective senses; denot(e) ( def. ) + -ing ¹ ( def. ) for the noun sense

Example Sentences

The analysis considered references by executives to tariffs, plus several related terms, in the same sentence as terms denoting risk.

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But the brief also asserts the U.S. is involved in a noninternational armed conflict with the cartels, a legal term denoting one within the territory of a single state.

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Half of these points can be given if a "subject has tattoos denoting membership or loyalty to TdA".

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The uncertainty over his role going forward was accentuated by the team denoting him as a cornerback/safety on its official roster, the only player on defense given a listing of two different positions.

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The team dubbed this phenomenon “rubato”—a musical term denoting a subtle change in tempo.

Read more on Science Magazine

Related Words

• compelling 
• important 
• momentous 
• powerful 
• serious 
• symbolic