Meaning of 'sign'

adjective

used of the language of the deaf

Synonyms: sign-language

noun

structure displaying a board on which advertisements can be posted

Example: "the highway was lined with signboards"

Synonyms: signboard

noun

a perceptible indication of something not immediately apparent, as a visible clue that something has happened

Example: "We showed signs of strain after over 30 hours in transit."

Synonyms: mark

noun

any nonverbal action or gesture that encodes a message

Example: "signals from the boat suddenly stopped"

Synonyms: signal

noun

a public display of a message

Example: "I posted signs in all the shop windows."

noun

a character indicating a relation between quantities

Example: "don't forget the minus sign"

noun

a gesture that is part of a sign language

noun

a fundamental linguistic unit linking a signifier to that which is signified

Example: "The bond between the signifier and the signified is arbitrary--de Saussure"

noun

an event that is experienced as indicating important things to come

Synonyms: augury foretoken preindication

noun

(astrology) one of 12 equal areas into which the zodiac is divided

Synonyms: house

noun

having an indicated pole (as the distinction between positive and negative electric charges)

Synonyms: polarity

noun

any objective evidence of the presence of a disorder or disease

Example: "There were no signs of asphyxiation."

verb

make the sign of the cross over someone in order to call on God for protection

Synonyms: bless

verb

be engaged by a written agreement

Example: "Our band signed to play three shows this month."

verb

communicate in sign language

Example: "I don't know how to sign, so I could not communicate with my deaf cousin"

verb

mark with one's signature

Synonyms: autograph subscribe inscribe

verb

communicate silently and non-verbally by signals or signs

Example: "They signed their disapproval with a dismissive hand gesture."

Synonyms: signal

verb

place signs, as along a road

Example: "sign an intersection"

verb

engage by written agreement

Example: "They signed two new pitchers for the next season"

Synonyms: contract

verb

approve and express assent, responsibility, or obligation

Synonyms: ratify