indicatum

Indicatum is a Latin term that can function as a neuter noun or an adjective, generally conveying the idea of “the indicated thing” or “an indication.” In its grammatical form, indicatum is the neuter singular of the perfect passive participle indicatus, itself derived from indicare, meaning “to indicate” or “to point out.”

In Latin usage, indicatum appears in contexts where something has been pointed out or demonstrated, serving to reference a sign, instance, or exhibited matter. Related vocabulary includes indicatio, a noun that more explicitly means “indication,” “display,” or “designation,” and indicare, the verb “to indicate.” The pair of concepts—indicating and its object—underpins how indicatum is understood in classical and medieval texts.

In modern linguistic and philological discussion, indicatum is primarily of historical interest. It is not a common term in contemporary English outside Latin glossaries or explanations of etymology. Its significance lies in illustrating the Latin substrate for related English words such as indicate, indication, and indicator, all derived from indicare and its related nouns and participles.

See also:

- indicate

- indication

- indicator

- indicatio

- indicare