handshape

[hand-sheyp]

noun

1. (in sign language) the held position of the hand and fingers in producing a particular sign.

Word History and Origins

Origin of handshape¹

hand + shape

Example Sentences

But when referring to a Black person, the sign uses four fingers pressed together in the ASL “b” handshape moving horizontally across the forehead, and is generally reserved for use by Black people, Alaquiva said.

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The nuances of communicating in sign language were important to get right in the video, Alaquiva said: for instance, the word “black” referring to the color can be signed with one finger pointed out in the ASL 1 handshape moving horizontally across the forehead.

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