des·ig·nate (dĕz'ĭg-nāt')
tr.v., -nat·ed, -nat·ing, -nates.

1. To indicate or specify; point out.
2. To give a name or title to; characterize.
3. To select and set aside for a duty, an office, or a purpose. See synonyms at allocate, appoint.

adj. (-nĭt)
Appointed but not yet installed in office: the commissioner designate.

[Latin dēsignāre, dēsignāt- : dē-, de- + signāre, to mark (from signum, sign).]

designative des'ig·na'tive or des'ig·na·to'ry (-nə-tôr'ē) adj.
designator des'ig·na'tor n.

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The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

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