[ob.ser.va.tion] n [MF, fr. L observation-, observatio, fr. observare] (1535) 1: an act or instance of observing a custom, rule, or law: observance
2. a: an act of recognizing and noting a fact or occurrence often involving measurement with instruments "weather ~s" b: a record or description so obtained
3: a judgment on or inference from what one has observed; broadly: remark, statement
4. obs: attentive care: heed
5: the condition of one that is observed "under ~ at the hospital" -- ob.ser.va.tion.al adj -- ob.ser.va.tion.al.ly adv