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| sign [ sīn ] |
noun (plural signs) |
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1. thing representing something else: something that indicates or expresses the existence of something else not immediately apparent
  a sign of wealth
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2. something conveying idea: an action or gesture used to convey an idea, information, a wish, or a command
His kick under the table was a sign that we should leave.
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3. advertising notice: a publicly displayed structure carrying lettering or designs intended to advertise a business or product, e.g. a painted board or neon lights
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4. information notice: a publicly displayed notice or board bearing directions, instructions, or warnings
a highway sign
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5. indication: something that indicates the presence of something or somebody
no sign of life
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6. trace left by animal: a trace of a wild animal, e.g. the droppings, scent, or footprints
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7. omen: something interpreted as being an omen
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8. astrology division of zodiac: any one of the 12 equal parts into which the zodiac is divided, each represented by a symbol
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9. medicine evidence of disease: an indication of the presence of a disease or disorder, especially one observed by a doctor but not apparent to the patient
Fever is a sign of an infection.
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10. mathematics logic symbol used in math or logic: a symbol indicating an operation or relation in mathematics or logic
the plus sign
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11. music musical notation symbol: a symbol used in musical notation
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12. communication
Same as sign language
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verb (past and past participle signed, present participle sign·ing, 3rd person present singular signs) |
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1. transitive and intransitive verb write name: to write a signature on something
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2. transitive and intransitive verb approve document: to affirm or approve a document formally by affixing a signature or seal
sign a bill into law
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3. transitive and intransitive verb hire somebody: to engage the services of somebody by written agreement
The college signed him to coach the team.
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4. intransitive verb agree to take job: to agree to be hired by writing a signature on a contract
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5. transitive and intransitive verb signal information: to convey information using a signal or signals
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6. transitive verb portend something: to be an omen of something to come
That signs danger.
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7. transitive and intransitive verb communication communicate in sign language: to use sign language to communicate a message
She signed "yes."
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8. transitive verb christianity give blessing to somebody: to bless somebody or something by making the sign of the cross
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| [13th century. Via French< Latin signum "mark, sign"] |
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| sign·er noun |
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| Word History |
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The Latin word signum "mark," from which sign is derived, is also the source of English assign, consign, design, designate, ensign, insignia, resign, seal1, signal, signature, signet, and significant.
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