sign
sign /ˈsaɪn/
adjective
-
Used of the language of the deaf
(
gestural
, sign
, sign-language
, signed
)
used of the language of the deaf
noun
-
()
A perceptible indication of something not immediately apparent (as a visible clue that something has happened)
(
mark
, sign
)
a perceptible indication of something not immediately apparent (as a visible clue that something has happened)
He showed signs of strain
he showed signs of strain
They welcomed the signs of spring
they welcomed the signs of spring
-
()
A public display of a message
(
sign
)
a public display of a message
He posted signs in all the shop windows
he posted signs in all the shop windows
-
()
Any nonverbal action or gesture that encodes a message
(
signaling
[ N. American] , sign
, signal
)
any nonverbal action or gesture that encodes a message
Signals from the boat suddenly stopped
signals from the boat suddenly stopped
-
()
Structure displaying a board on which advertisements can be posted
(
signboard
, sign
)
structure displaying a board on which advertisements can be posted
The highway was lined with signboards
the highway was lined with signboards
-
()
(astrology) one of 12 equal areas into which the zodiac is divided
(
house
, mansion
, planetary house
, sign
, sign of the zodiac
, star sign
)
(astrology) one of 12 equal areas into which the zodiac is divided
In astrology, Leo is a sign known for its bold and charismatic nature.
In astrology, Leo is a sign known for its bold and charismatic nature.
-
()
A gesture that is part of a sign language
(
sign
)
a gesture that is part of a sign language
-
()
An event that is experienced as indicating important things to come
(
augury
, foretoken
, preindication
, sign
)
an event that is experienced as indicating important things to come
He hoped it was an augury
he hoped it was an augury
It was a sign from God
it was a sign from God
-
()
Having an indicated pole (as the distinction between positive and negative electric charges)
(
polarity
, sign
)
having an indicated pole (as the distinction between positive and negative electric charges)
He got the polarity of the battery reversed
he got the polarity of the battery reversed
Charges of opposite sign
charges of opposite sign
-
()
(medicine) any objective evidence of the presence of a disorder or disease
(
sign
)
(medicine) any objective evidence of the presence of a disorder or disease
There were no signs of asphyxiation
there were no signs of asphyxiation
-
A character indicating a relation between quantities
(
sign
)
a character indicating a relation between quantities
Don't forget the minus sign
don't forget the minus sign
-
(linguistics) a fundamental linguistic unit linking a signifier to that which is signified
(
sign
)
(linguistics) a fundamental linguistic unit linking a signifier to that which is signified
The bond between the signifier and the signified is arbitrary
The bond between the signifier and the signified is arbitrary
verb
-
()
Mark with one's signature; write one's name (on)
(
subscribe
, sign
)
mark with one's signature; write one's name (on)
She signed the letter and sent it off
She signed the letter and sent it off
Please sign here
Please sign here
-
()
Approve and express assent, responsibility, or obligation
(
ratify
, sign
)
approve and express assent, responsibility, or obligation
All parties ratified the peace treaty
All parties ratified the peace treaty
Have you signed your contract yet?
Have you signed your contract yet?
-
()
Be engaged by a written agreement
(
sign
)
be engaged by a written agreement
He signed to play the casino on Dec. 18
He signed to play the casino on Dec. 18
The soprano signed to sing the new opera
The soprano signed to sing the new opera
-
()
Engage by written agreement
(
sign on
, sign
, sign up
, contract
)
engage by written agreement
They signed two new pitchers for the next season
They signed two new pitchers for the next season
-
()
Communicate silently and non-verbally by signals or signs
(
signalise
[British] , signalize
, sign
, signal
)
communicate silently and non-verbally by signals or signs
He signed his disapproval with a dismissive hand gesture
He signed his disapproval with a dismissive hand gesture
The diner signaled the waiters to bring the menu
The diner signaled the waiters to bring the menu
-
Make the sign of the cross over someone in order to call on God for protection; consecrate
(
sign
, bless
)
make the sign of the cross over someone in order to call on God for protection; consecrate
-
Communicate in sign language
(
sign
)
communicate in sign language
I don't know how to sign, so I could not communicate with my deaf cousin
I don't know how to sign, so I could not communicate with my deaf cousin
-
Place signs, as along a road
(
sign
)
place signs, as along a road
Sign an intersection
sign an intersection
This road has been signed
This road has been signed