Full Idea
In Russell's definition of 'denoting', a definite description denotes an entity if that entity fits the description uniquely.
Gist of Idea
A definite description 'denotes' an entity if it fits the description uniquely
Source
report of Bertrand Russell (On Denoting [1905]) by François Recanati - Mental Files 17.2
Book Reference
Recanati,François: 'Mental Files' [OUP 2012], p.226
A Reaction
[Recanati cites Donnellan for this] Hence denoting is not the same thing as reference. A description can denote beautifully, but fail to refer. Donnellan says if denoting were reference, someone might refer without realising it.