signal

[sig-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.

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

/ 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

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

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.

Other Word Forms

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of signal¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of signal¹

C16: from Old French seignal, from Medieval Latin signāle, from Latin signum _sign

Example Sentences

Treasury yields fell after New York Fed President John Williams signaled he was open to another rate cut in the near term, Commerzbank Research analysts write in a note.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

“With consumer sentiment weakening and the market starved for real-time signals, the mall becomes the macro,” Stephen Innes, managing partner at SPI Asset Management, said in a weekend note.

Read more on MarketWatch

Their study shows that neurons can release an enzyme outside the cell that activates pain signals following an injury.

Read more on Science Daily

Because radio and GPS signals cannot easily pass through seawater, sonobuoys are vital to modern naval detection systems and they are routinely used by navies during exercises and operations.

Read more on BBC

He discovered that the vagus nerve—which connects the brain to many organs—can send electrical signals that suppress the inflammatory response.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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