Which term describes uncertainty of meaning created by ambiguous language in a written instrument?

The term that describes uncertainty of meaning created by ambiguous language in a written instrument is patent ambiguity. This type of ambiguity arises when the language used is unclear or has multiple meanings, and this uncertainty is apparent on the face of the document. For example, if a contract states "the payment will be made by the end of the week" without specifying which week, this could lead to confusion and disputes regarding the intended meaning.

Patent ambiguity contrasts with latent ambiguity, which occurs when a document appears to be clear and unambiguous until additional facts or circumstances reveal the uncertainty. Understanding the difference between these types of ambiguity is crucial in legal settings, as it can affect the interpretation of contracts and property deeds.

The other options, such as the four corners doctrine, relate to how documents are interpreted but do not specifically refer to the uncertainty generated by ambiguous language. A life estate, on the other hand, is a specific type of property interest and does not pertain to issues of ambiguity in language.