designatum

noun

des·​ig·​na·​tum

ˌdezigˈnātəm

plural designata

-tə

: something that is referred to by a word, sign, or linguistic expression whether actually existing or not : the class of objects referred to by a sign, including the null class

—contrasted with denotatum

Word History

Etymology

Latin, neuter of designatus, past participle of designare to designate, design, literally, to mark out

First Known Use

1923, in the meaning defined above

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