notation

noun

no·​ta·​tion nō-ˈtā-shən 

1

: annotation, note

2

a

: the act, process, method, or an instance of representing by a system or set of marks, signs, figures, or characters

b

: a system of characters, symbols, or abbreviated expressions used in an art or science or in mathematics or logic to express technical facts or quantities

notational

nō-ˈtā-sh(ə-)nəl 

adjective

Synonyms

• jotting
• memo
• memorandum
• note

Examples of notation in a Sentence

a mathematical notation for computer programming

he had scribbled his notation so quickly I couldn't read it

Recent Examples on the Web

In the version shared to Facebook, however, that notation was cropped out. —Joedy McCreary, USA TODAY, 6 Sep. 2024

Whether this week’s new additions will garner stars or Bib Gourmand notation in the 2024 statewide guide will be revealed at the ceremony on Aug. 5 in Half Moon Bay. —Stephanie Breijo, Los Angeles Times, 13 July 2024

To put this in mathematical notation: people in town who can grow a beard and are men form a set M. That set includes the men who shave themselves and those who do not. —Manon Bischoff, Scientific American, 15 Aug. 2024

Angeli, according to a notation from the judge in the case, has also found a stable residence, a job and was married. —Richard Ruelas, The Arizona Republic, 5 Aug. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin notation-, notatio, from notare to note

First Known Use

1584, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing notation

• positional notation
• postfix notation
• reverse Polish notation
• scientific notation

Kids Definition

notation

noun

no·​ta·​tion nō-ˈtā-shən 

1

: note entry 2 sense 3a

make notations on a paper

2

: the act of noting

3

: a system of marks, signs, figures, or characters used to give specified information

musical notation

scientific notation

notational

-shnəl 

-shən-ᵊl

adjective