What does designate mean?

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From our dictionary:

des•ig•nate

Pronunciation: (
v.dez'ig-nAt";
adj.dez'ig-nit, -nAt"),
[key]
v., -nat•ed, -nat•ing,
adj.


v.t.
1. to mark or point out; indicate; show; specify.
2. to denote; indicate; signify.
3. to name; entitle; style.
4. to nominate or select for a duty, office, purpose, etc.; appoint; assign.

adj.
named or selected for an office, position, etc., but not yet installed (often used in combination following the noun it modifies): ambassador-designate.