designation

 
Pronunciation: /dɛzɪgˈneɪʃ(ə)n/

noun

[mass noun]
  • the action of choosing someone to hold an office or post: a leader’s designation of his own successor
  • the action of choosing a place for a special purpose or giving it a special status: Dibden Bay’s designation as a Site of Special Scientific Interest
  • [count noun] an official name, description, or title: quality designations such as ‘Premier Cru’

Origin:

late Middle English (in the sense 'the action of marking'): from Latin designatio(n-), from the verb designare (see designate)