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

During a recent evening at The Outsiders, Heather Augustine followed along on an iPad with a lot of notations. —Jeff Lunden, NPR, 16 June 2024

It’s been marked up with notations in Sharpie, added after the poster was printed in 2006. —Stephanie Pappas, Scientific American, 14 May 2024

The notation also mentions a letter of instruction placed in her personnel file in 2014 for failing to notify the Internal Affairs Bureau about some matter. —Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 5 Feb. 2024

The Studio One+ plan gives you access to Studio One Professional, Notion notation software, additional sounds and plug-ins, cloud storage with collaboration workspaces, and a master class library of videos and live streams for $19.95 per month. —PCMAG, 1 May 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