denote

verb (used with object), de·not·ed, de·not·ing.

1. to be a mark or sign of; indicate: A fever often denotes an infection.
2. to be a name or designation for; mean.
3. to represent by a symbol; stand as a symbol for.

verb (tr; may take a clause as object)

1. to be a sign, symbol, or symptom of; indicate or designate
2. (of words, phrases, expressions, etc) to have as a literal or obvious meaning

v.

1590s, from Middle French dénoter (14c.), from Latin denotare “denote, mark out,” from de- “completely” + notare “to mark” (see note (v.)). Related: Denoted; denoting.