signal
The definition of a signal is a message or means of communicating a message.
(noun)An example of a signal is a red light.
Signal means out of the ordinary or remarkable.
(adjective)An example of signal used as an adjective is the phrase a "signal win" which means a team that usually loses has just won.
To signal is defined as to communicate or indicate.
(verb)An example of signal is to hold up one finger to mean you'll be there in a minute.
See signal in Webster's New World College Dictionary
noun
- Now Rare a token or indication
- a sign or event fixed or understood as the occasion for prearranged combined action: a bugle signal to attack
- anything which occasions a certain action or response
- a sign given by gesture, flashing light, etc. to convey a command, direction, warning, etc.
- an object or device, as a red flag, flashing light, etc., providing such a sign
- in some card games, a bid or play designed to guide one's partner
- in telegraphy, radio, television, etc., the electrical impulses, sound or picture elements, etc. transmitted or received
- Football code words, numbers, etc. called out, esp. by the quarterback, to indicate which play or defense to use next
Origin: OFr < VL signale < neut. of LL signalis < L signum, a sign
adjective
- not average or ordinary; remarkable; notable
- used as a signal or in signaling
transitive verb signaled or signalled, signaling or signalling
- to make a signal or signals to
- to make known or communicate (information) by signals
intransitive verb
See signal in American Heritage Dictionary 4
noun
- a. An indicator, such as a gesture or colored light, that serves as a means of communication. See Synonyms at gesture.b. A message communicated by such means.
- Something that incites action: The peace treaty was the signal for celebration.
- Electronics An impulse or a fluctuating electric quantity, such as voltage, current, or electric field strength, whose variations represent coded information.
- The sound, image, or message transmitted or received in telegraphy, telephony, radio, television, or radar.
- To make a signal to: I signaled the driver to proceed.
- To relate or make known by signals: They have signaled their willingness to negotiate.
Origin:
Origin: Middle English
Origin: , from Old French
Origin: , from Medieval Latin signāle
Origin: , from neuter of Late Latin signālis, of a sign
Origin: , from Latin signum, sign; see sign
.Related Forms:
- sigˈnal·er, sigˈnal·ler noun
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