definitions

semiotics

[ see-mee-ot-iks, sem-ee-, see-mahy- ]
/ ˌsi miˈɒt ɪks, ˌsɛm i-, ˌsi maɪ- /
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noun (used with a singular verb)

the study of signs and symbols as elements of communicative behavior; the analysis of systems of communication, as language, gestures, or clothing.
a general theory of signs and symbolism, usually divided into the branches of pragmatics, semantics, and syntactics.

Nearby words

semiofficial, semiology, semiopaque, semiotic, semiotician, semiotics, semioviparous, semipalatinsk, semipalmate, semipalmated plover, semipalmated sandpiper

Origin of semiotics

First recorded in 1875–80; see origin at semiotic, -ics

Related forms

se·mi·o·ti·cian [see-mee-uh-tish-uh n, sem-ee-, see-mahy-] /ˌsi mi əˈtɪʃ ən, ˌsɛm i-, ˌsi maɪ-/, noun

Definition for semiotics (2 of 2)

semiotic

[ see-mee-ot-ik, sem-ee, see-mahy- ]
/ ˌsi miˈɒt ɪk, ˌsɛm i, ˌsi maɪ- /

adjective Also se·mi·ot·i·cal.

of or relating to signs.
of or relating to semiotics.
Medicine/Medical. of or relating to symptoms; symptomatic.

noun

semiotics.

Origin of semiotic

1615–20; (def 3) < Greek sēmeiōtikós significant, equivalent to sēmeiō-, verbid stem of sēmeioûn to interpret as a sign (derivative of Greek sēmeîon sign) + -tikos -tic; (def 4) < Greek sēmeiōtikḗ, noun use of feminine of sēmeiōtikós, adapted by John Locke (on the model of Greek logikḗ logic, etc.; see -ic) to mean “the doctrine of signs”; (defs 1, 2) based on Locke's coinage or a reanalysis of the Gk word
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for semiotics

British Dictionary definitions for semiotics (1 of 2)

semiotics

semeiotics

/ (ˌsɛmɪˈɒtɪks, ˌsiːmɪ-) /

noun (functioning as singular)

the study of signs and symbols, esp the relations between written or spoken signs and their referents in the physical world or the world of ideasSee also semantics, syntactics, pragmatics
the scientific study of the symptoms of disease; symptomatology
Also: semiology, semeiology

British Dictionary definitions for semiotics (2 of 2)

semiotic

semeiotic

/ (ˌsɛmɪˈɒtɪk, ˌsiːmɪ-) /

adjective

relating to signs and symbols, esp spoken or written signs
relating to semiotics
of, relating to, or resembling the symptoms of disease; symptomatic

Word Origin for semiotic

C17: from Greek sēmeiōtikos taking note of signs, from sēmeion a sign
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012