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   Sig·nal

   /ˈsiɡn(ə)l/

   

   noun

   • 1. a gesture, action, or sound that is used to convey information or instructions, typically by prearrangement between the parties concerned: "the firing of the gun was the signal for a chain of beacons to be lit" Similar gesturesignwavegesticulationcuepromptindicatorindicationcommunicationmessagealertwarningtip-offactionmovementmotionbody languagekinesics
   • ▪ an indication of a state of affairs: "the markets are waiting for a clear signal about the direction of policy" Similar indicationsignsymptomhintpointersuggestionintimationcluemanifestationdemonstrationtokentestimonyevidenceattestationproof
   • ▪ an event or statement that provides the impulse or occasion for something specified to happen: "the champion's announcement that he was retiring was the signal for scores of journalists to gather at his last match" Similar cuepromptoccasiongreen lightincentiveimpetusimpulsestimulusinformal:go-ahead
   • ▪ a prearranged convention of bidding or play intended to convey information to one's partner.
   • 2. an electrical impulse or radio wave transmitted or received: "equipment for receiving TV signals"
   • 3. an apparatus on a railroad, typically a colored light or a semaphore, giving indications to train engineers of whether or not the line is clear: "the driver of the mail train overran a signal at danger and ran into the rear of an express"

   verb

   • 1. transmit information or instructions by means of a gesture, action, or sound: "hold your fire until I signal"
   • ▪ instruct (someone) to do something by means of gestures or signs rather than explicit orders: "she signaled Charlotte to be silent" Similar gesturesigngive a sign toindicatedirectmotiongesticulatewavebeckonnod
   • ▪ (of a cyclist, motorist, or vehicle) indicate an intention to turn in a specified direction using an extended arm or flashing indicator: "Stone signaled right"
   • ▪ indicate the existence or occurrence of (something) by actions or sounds: "they could signal displeasure by refusing to cooperate" Similar indicateshowexpresscommunicateannounceproclaimdeclarepronounce

   Word Origin late Middle English: from Old French, from medieval Latin signale, neuter of late Latin signalis, from Latin signum ‘mark, token’ (see sign). The verb dates from the early 19th century.

   Derivatives

   • 1. signaler noun

   Scrabble Points: 7

   • S

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   • I

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   • G

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   • N

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   • A

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   • L

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