Definition of: designate

(dez′ig·nāt) v.t. ·nat·ed, ·nat·ing
1. To indicate or make recognizable by some mark, sign, or name.
2. To name or entitle; characterize.
3. To select or appoint for a specific purpose, duty, office, etc. See synonyms under CIRCUMSCRIBE.
—adjective (dez′ig·nit, -nāt) Designated; selected. [<L designatus, pp. of designare <de- completely + signare mark <signum a sign]
—des′ig·na′tive adjective
—des′ig·na′tor noun