notation

[noh-tey-shuhn]

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.

notation

/ 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

Other Word Forms

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of notation¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of notation¹

C16: from Latin notātiō a marking, from notāre to _note

Example Sentences

Shortly after “In C,” Riley gave up the use of notation, devoting himself to keyboard improvisation and his vocal raga practice.

From Los Angeles Times

He noted where smugglers had blowtorched openings big enough to crawl through and pointed out the spray-painted notation of when those gaps were closed.

From Los Angeles Times

Israel, for its part, dressed freed Palestinian prisoners in white sweatshirts bearing a blue Star of David, and a notation in Arabic that their crimes would not be forgotten.

From Los Angeles Times

The waltz has minor errors in rhythm and notation but Mr McClellan said he is sure that Chopin is behind it.

From BBC

The defendant or his sons signed 11 checks to Michael Cohen with a false stub notation, “Retainer.”

From Salon

Related Words

• documentation