Designates (7)
'designates' is the definition.
(denoting is a kind of designating)
This is the entire clue.
'designates' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
This is the entire clue.
(Other definitions for appoints that I've seen before include "Assigns, charges" , "Gives someone a job or position" , "Assigns to a job or position" , "Employs" .)