Relating to or expressing the direct, literal meaning of a word or symbol, rather than any additional feelings or associations.
From denotation + -ive (suffix forming adjectives). The word entered English in the late 18th century to describe language that points to literal meaning rather than implied meaning.
When poets use connotative language they're playing with feelings, but scientists use denotative language because they need precision—'H₂O' has one denotative meaning and zero emotional baggage, which is exactly what you want in chemistry.
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