semiosis

American  

[see-mee-oh-sis, sem-ee-, see-mahy-] / ˌsi miˈoʊ sɪs, ˌsɛm i-, ˌsi maɪ- /

noun

Semiotics.

1. the process of connecting a sign, the particular use of that sign, and the specific meaning the observer associates with that sign, such as when someone sees a red light as an instruction to stop, or reads the word tree and thinks of a tree.

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Etymology

Origin of semiosis

First recorded in 1905–10; introduced by U.S. philosopher Charles Sanders Peirce; from Greek sēmeíōsis “sign”

Explanation

Semiosis is the process of connecting a meaning to a sign, which is anything that stands for or indicates something. When the traffic light turns green, a driver knows it's time to go. In semiosis, a sign may be an image, an action or event, a sound, or a word. A thumbs-up emoji in response to a text message indicates agreement. An EXIT sign in a theater shows you the way out. If you hear applause, you know that people are appreciating something, but if you hear a siren, you know to watch out because of an emergency. The process of semiosis involves the sign itself, the meaning it carries, and an interpreter who is able to connect the sign to its meaning.

Example Sentences

Rudimentary signs, incipient language, oral communication, notation, and writing are stages in the semiosis of means of expression and communication.

From The Civilization of Illiteracy by Nadin, Mihai

According to L. Hjelmslev, the sign is the result of semiosis taking place at the time of the language act.

From The Civilization of Illiteracy by Nadin, Mihai

In market semiosis, desire proves to be just as important, if not more so, than need.

From The Civilization of Illiteracy by Nadin, Mihai

The word signal, snap numbers, color code, and play name are part of the semiosis.

From The Civilization of Illiteracy by Nadin, Mihai

The semiosis of group and mass communication is very different from the semiosis of pointcasting.

From The Civilization of Illiteracy by Nadin, Mihai