signal | ||
1. | [ noun ] any communication that encodes a message | |
Synonyms: | sign signaling | |
Examples: | "signals from the boat suddenly stopped" |
|
Related terms: | communication symbol recording indication phone_number radio_beam input_signal indicator output_signal storm_signal dog-ear curfew whistle visual_signal time_signal retreat drumbeat telegraphic_signal animal_communication high_sign electronic_signal distress_signal alarm all_clear radio_beacon starting_signal ticktack bugle_call bespeak signalize sign bless signalize | |
2. | [ verb ] communicate silently and non-verbally by signals or signs | |
Synonyms: | sign signalise signalize | |
Examples: | "He signed his disapproval with a dismissive hand gesture" "The diner signaled the waiters to bring the menu" |
|
Related terms: | communicate flag heliograph wigwag whistle semaphore signaler signer sign_language | |
3. | [ verb ] be a signal for or a symptom of | |
Synonyms: | indicate point bespeak betoken | |
Examples: | "These symptoms indicate a serious illness" "Her behavior points to a severe neurosis" "The economic indicators signal that the euro is undervalued" |
|
Related terms: | tell mark bode indication indicator | |
4. | [ noun ] any incitement to action | |
Examples: | "he awaited the signal to start" "the victory was a signal for wild celebration" |
|
Related terms: | incitement | |
5. | [ noun ] (physics,electricity) an electric quantity (voltage or current or field strength) whose modulation represents coded information about the source from which it comes | |
Related terms: | electricity | |
6. | [ adjective ] notably out of the ordinary | |
Examples: | "the year saw one signal triumph for the Labour party" |
|
Related terms: | impressive | |
Similar spelling: |
signally signaler signalman signaller signalize signalise signaling |