I. ˌäbsə(r)ˈvāshən, -bzə- noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle French, from Latin observation-, observatio, from observat us (past participle of observare to observe) + -ion-, -io -ion — more at observe
1. obsolete : something (as an ordinance, rite, or custom) that must be observed : observance 1a
2. : observance 2a
3. : an act or the faculty of observing or taking notice : an act of seeing or fixing the mind upon something
4.
a. : an act of recognizing and noting some fact or occurrence (as in nature) often involving the measurement of some magnitude with suitable instruments
made an observation of the sun's altitude
temperature observations
b. : a record so obtained
5. : an expression of a judgment upon what one has observed ; broadly : remark , statement , utterance
a very childish observation
6. : a conclusion drawn from observing : view , reflection
7. obsolete : deferential courtesy : heed
8. : the condition of one that is seen, examined, or noticed
stooping to avoid the risk of observation
under observation at the hospital
9. : a game in which players examine an assortment of articles for a short time and then write down the names of as many of the objects as they can remember
II. adjective
— used or for use in viewing (as scenery) or in making observations
an observation tower
the observation car