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tr.v. des·ig·nat·ed, des·ig·nat·ing, des·ig·nates 1. To indicate or specify; point out: a fence that designates the property boundary. 2. To give a name or title to; characterize: The 1920s have been designated as the "Roaring Twenties." adj. (-nĭt) Appointed but not yet installed in office: the commissioner designate. [Latin dēsignāre, dēsignāt- : dē-, de- + signāre, to mark (from signum, sign; see sekw-1 in the Appendix of Indo-European roots).] desig·na′tive, desig·na·to′ry (-nə-tôr′ē) adj. desig·na′tor n. |
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