denotation
noun
de·no·ta·tion
| \ ˌdē-nō-ˈtā-shən
\
\
Definition of denotation
1
: an act or process of denoting
2
: meaning
especially
: a direct specific meaning as distinct from an implied or associated idea
comparing a word's denotation with its connotations In fact, the "Parks and Recreation" alum said he didn't know the word's medical denotation. — Nardine Saad
b
: sign, indication
visible denotations of divine wrath … which is why many articles and essays have a "time it takes to read this" denotation alongside the title or author's name.— Chris Campanioni
4
: the totality of things to which a term is applicable especially in logic — compare connotation