Definitions:

1. (biology) the ability of one molecule to attach to another molecule that has a complementary shape noun
   • molecular recognition drives all of biology, for instance, hormone and receptor or antibodyantigen interactions or the organization of molecules into larger biologically active entities
2. an acceptance of a claim as true and valid noun
   • The recognition of the Rio Grande as a boundary between Mexico and the United States settled the debate.
3. approval, identification based on previous encounters noun
   • Sometimes recognition for trying is better than a victory.
4. designation by the chair granting a person the right to speak in a deliberative body noun
   • I was unable to make my motion, because I couldn't get recognition by the chairman.
5. the explicit and formal acknowledgement of a government or of the national independence of a country noun
   • territorial disputes were resolved in Guatemala's recognition of Belize in 1991
6. the process of recognizing something or someone by remembering noun
   • The politician's recall of names was as remarkable as their recognition of faces.
7. the state or quality of being recognized or acknowledged noun
   • the partners were delighted with the recognition of their work

Synonyms:

• acknowledgement
• acknowledgment
• credit
• identification
• realization