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indication

n.
US //ˌɪndəˈkeɪʃən// UK //ˌɪndɪkˈeɪʃən// in·di·ca·tion
  1. 1 a sign or suggestion (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    a sign that shows something is true or likely to happen.

    a sign, suggestion, or piece of evidence that indicates the presence or likelihood of something.

    Example

    The dark clouds were a clear indication that a storm was coming.

    Example

    The sudden drop in consumer spending provided a strong indication that the economy was entering a period of stagnation.

    Usage

    Often followed by the preposition 'of' or a 'that' clause.

  2. 2 medical reason for treatment (n.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Medicine

    a symptom or medical reason that shows a specific treatment or medicine is necessary.

    a symptom or condition that makes a particular treatment, test, or medication advisable.

    Example

    Severe chest pain is a primary indication for an immediate heart scan.

    Example

    The clinical guidelines list chronic inflammation as a primary indication for the administration of this specific biological therapy.

    Usage

    Commonly used in the phrase 'indications for'.

    • contraindication
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  1. 3 estimated price (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical Formal Finance

    an estimate of what the price of a stock or bond will be when trading starts.

    a non-binding estimate of the price at which a security is expected to trade when the market opens.

    Example

    The broker gave us an indication of the opening price for the new shares.

    Example

    Market makers provided a preliminary indication of the stock's value, though the actual opening price fluctuated due to high overnight demand.

Origin

From Old French indication, from Latin indicātiō (“a showing, indicating the value of something; valuation”), from indicō (“point out, indicate, show; value”); see indicate; compare French indication, Spanish indicación, Italian indicazione. By surface analysis, indicate + -ion.

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