Main Entry: in·di·ca·tion

Pronunciation: \ˌin-də-ˈkā-shən\

Function: noun

1 a : a symptom or particular circumstance that indicates the advisability or necessity of a specific medical treatment or procedure <postpartum hemorrhage is the chief indication for the use of ergot preparations and derivatives—C. H. Thienes> b : something that is indicated as advisable or necessary <in case of collapse the immediate indication is artificial respiration—Journal of the American Medical Association>
2 : the degree indicated in a specific instance or at a specific time on a graduated physical instrument (as a thermometer)