signal

American  

[sig-nl] / ˈsɪg nl /

noun

1. anything that serves to indicate, warn, direct, command, or the like, such as a light, a gesture, an act, etc.: a signal to leave.

   a traffic signal;

   a signal to leave.

   Synonyms:

   sign

2. anything agreed upon or understood as the occasion for concerted action.

3. an act, event, or the like that causes or incites some action.

   The unjust execution was the signal for revolt.

4. a token; indication.

   Synonyms:

   sign

5. Electronics. an electrical quantity or effect, as current, voltage, or electromagnetic waves, that can be varied in such a way as to convey information.

6. Cards. a play that reveals to one's partner a wish that they continue or discontinue the suit led.

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adjective

1. serving as a token or indication; used in communiating an intention, warning, or command.

   a signal flag.

2. unusual; notable; outstanding.

   a signal exploit.

   Synonyms:

   striking, remarkable, exceptional, unique

verb (used with object)

signaled, signaling, signalled, signalling

1. to make a token or indication to.

2. to communicate or make known by a token or indication.

verb (used without object)

signaled, signaling, signalled, signalling

1. to make communication by something that serves to indicate, warn, direct, command, or the like.

signal British  

/ ˈsɪɡnəl /

noun

1. any sign, gesture, token, etc, that serves to communicate information

2. anything that acts as an incitement to action

   the rise in prices was a signal for rebellion

3. 1. a variable parameter, such as a current or electromagnetic wave, by which information is conveyed through an electronic circuit, communications system, etc

   2. the information so conveyed

   3. ( as modifier )

      signal strength

      a signal generator

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adjective

1. distinguished or conspicuous

2. used to give or act as a signal

verb

1. to communicate (a message, etc) to (a person)

signal Scientific  

/ sĭg′nəl /

1. A fluctuating quantity or impulse whose variations represent information. The amplitude or frequency of voltage, current, electric field strength, light, and sound can be varied as signals representing information.

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Other Word Forms

• presignal noun
• resignal verb
• signaler noun
• signaller noun
• unsignaled adjective
• unsignalled adjective

Etymology

Origin of signal

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English noun from Old French seignal, signal, from Medieval Latin signāle, Late Latin, noun use of neuter of signālis “of a sign”; sign, -al ², -al ¹

Example Sentences

It's simple science - if you surround your key with metal, it blocks the signal so the key can't be cloned.

From BBC

"The Saudis really like and appreciate being recognised and deploying Prince William sends a signal that says we really value you."

From BBC

Their study, published in Current Research in Food Science, examined whether the distinctive astringent taste of flavanols could itself act as a signal to the brain.

From Science Daily

Now though, there are stronger signals of a change for some of us - albeit perhaps only a temporary one.

From BBC

The number of workers quitting voluntarily—a signal of confidence in the job market—has remained low for more than a year External link.

From Barron's

Related Words

• alarm
• beacon
• cue
• gesture
• indicator
• sign