Noun
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a character indicating a relation between quantities
"don't forget the minus sign"
-
a fundamental linguistic unit linking a signifier to that which is signified
"The bond between the signifier and the signified is arbitrary"--de Saussure
-
a gesture that is part of a sign language
-
an event that is experienced as indicating important things to come
"he hoped it was an augury"
"it was a sign from God"
- preindication -
having an indicated pole (as the distinction between positive and negative electric charges)
"he got the polarity of the battery reversed"
"charges of opposite sign"
-
(medicine) any objective evidence of the presence of a disorder or disease
"there were no signs of asphyxiation"
-
(astrology) one of 12 equal areas into which the zodiac is divided
- sign of the zodiac - star sign - planetary house -
structure displaying a board on which advertisements can be posted
"the highway was lined with signboards"
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any nonverbal action or gesture that encodes a message
"signals from the boat suddenly stopped"
-
a public display of a message
"he posted signs in all the shop windows"
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a perceptible indication of something not immediately apparent (as a visible clue that something has happened)
"he showed signs of strain"
"they welcomed the signs of spring"
Verb
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make the sign of the cross over someone in order to call on God for protection
consecrate
-
communicate in sign language
"I don't know how to sign, so I could not communicate with my deaf cousin"
-
place signs, as along a road
"sign an intersection"
"This road has been signed"
-
communicate silently and non-verbally by signals or signs
"He signed his disapproval with a dismissive hand gesture"
"The diner signaled the waiters to bring the menu"
-
engage by written agreement
"They signed two new pitchers for the next season"
- sign on - sign up -
be engaged by a written agreement
"He signed to play the casino on Dec. 18"
"The soprano signed to sing the new opera"
-
approve and express assent, responsibility, or obligation
"All parties ratified the peace treaty"
"Have you signed your contract yet?"
-
mark with one's signature
write one's name (on)
"She signed the letter and sent it off"
"Please sign here"
Adjective
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used of the language of the deaf
- sign language