notation

American  

[noh-tey-shuhn] / noʊˈteɪ ʃən /

noun

1. a system of graphic symbols for a specialized use, other than ordinary writing.

   musical notation.

2. the process or method of noting or setting down by means of a special system of signs or symbols.

3. the act of noting, marking, or setting down in writing.

4. a note, jotting, or record; annotation.

   notations in the margin.

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notation British  

/ nəʊˈteɪʃən /

noun

1. any series of signs or symbols used to represent quantities or elements in a specialized system, such as music or mathematics

2. the act or process of notating

3. 1. the act of noting down

   2. a note or record

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Other Word Forms

• nonnotational adjective
• notational adjective
• renotation noun
• subnotation noun
• subnotational adjective
• unnotational adjective

Etymology

Origin of notation

1560–70; < Latin notātiōn- (stem of notātiō ) a marking, equivalent to notāt ( us ) (past participle of notāre to note ) + -iōn- -ion

Example Sentences

“The notebook has more information. You can see there’s a notation here to continue on another page. And when you go to that page”—she flipped through the notebook—“there’s an additional set of data.”

From Literature

Ms. Chan examines the process by which scales and music notation came to the page.

From The Wall Street Journal

Basically, it’s just choice of notation, the hanging on notes, which comes across much better when we play live.”

From Los Angeles Times

Many of the amphorae were covered with written notations, which indicated previous uses such as storing olives or lentils.

From Literature

Although one line on the mortgage application for the Atlanta condo listed the property as a primary residence, other records show that this “was at most an inadvertent notation,” Lowell said.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• documentation