signal
/ˈsɪɡnəl/ noun, verb, adjective
Forms signals signaling signalling signaled signalled signall
- noun A sequence of states representing an encoded message in a communication channel.
- noun Any variation of a quantity or change in an entity over time that conveys information upon detection.
- noun A sign made to give notice of some occurrence, command, or danger, or to indicate the start of a concerted action.
- noun An on-off light, semaphore, or other device used to give an indication to another person.
- noun A railway signal.
- noun (of a radio, TV, telephone, internet, etc.) An electromagnetic action, normally a voltage that is a function of time, that conveys the information of the radio or TV program or of communication with another party. “My mobile phone can't get a signal in the railway station.”
- noun An action, change or process done to convey information and thus reduce uncertainty.
- noun A token; an indication; a foreshadowing; a sign.
- verb (ambitransitive) To indicate; to convey or communicate by a signal. “I signalled my acquiescence with a nod.”
- verb (transitive) To communicate with (a person or system) by a signal. “Seeing the flames, he ran to the control room and signalled headquarters.”
- adjective Standing above others in rank, importance, or achievement. “a signal exploit; a signal success; a signal act of benevolence”
Synonyms
eminent noteworthy significant notable signaling sign signalize signalise bespeak betoken indicate point
Antonyms
Etymology
From Old French segnal, seignal or Medieval Latin signāle; noun use of the neuter of Late Latin signālis, from Latin signum; verb use from 1805, as a shortened from signalize (1650s). Doublet of signum and sign.
Webster’s 1913
- noun A sign made for the purpose of giving notice to a person of some occurence, command, or danger; also, a sign, event, or watchword, which has been agreed upon as the occasion of concerted action.
- noun A token; an indication; a foreshadowing; a sign.
- adjective Noticeable; distinguished from what is ordinary; eminent; remarkable; memorable; as, a signal exploit; a signal service; a signal act of benevolence.
- adjective Of or pertaining to signals, or the use of signals in conveying information; as, a signal flag or officer. The signal service, a bureau of the government (in the United States connected with the War Department) organized to collect from the whole country simultaneous raports of local meteorological conditions, upon comparison of which at the central office, predictions concerning the weather are telegraphed to various sections, where they are made known by signals publicly displayed.
Etymology [F., fr. LL. signale, fr. L. signum. See Sign, n.]
Etymology [From signal, n.: cf. F. signalé.]
Sources: Wiktionary · WordNet 3.0 · Webster’s 1913 — from the Wiktionary entry “signal”, CC BY-SA 4.0. Details