invocation
n. C1 Advanced US //ˌɪnvəˈkeɪʃən// UK //ɪnvəʊkˈeɪʃən// in·vo·ca·tion
n. the act of calling on someone or something for help, or the use of a specific word or phrase to start a computer program.
n. the act of calling upon a deity, spirit, or person for aid; also refers to the act of initiating a program or function using a specific command or identifier.
The programmer used a specific invocation to start the software.
The lawyer made a formal invocation of the law to challenge the validity of the contract.
In many ancient cultures, the invocation of a deity was a necessary ritual to ensure the success of a harvest or the protection of a community.
From Middle English invocacioun, from Old French invocacion, from Latin invocatio, invocationem. Equivalent to invoke + -ation.