sign

Adjective

• used of the language of the deaf

Noun

• 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
    

• 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

• structure displaying a board on which advertisements can be posted
  • the highway was lined with signboards
    

• 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
    

• 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

• 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
    

• 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
    

Related words

• Synonyms: 
  gestural , sign(a) , signed , sign-language(a) , augury , foretoken , preindication , polarity , sign of the zodiac , star sign , mansion , house , planetary house , signboard , signal , signaling , mark , bless , signalize , signalise , contract , sign on , sign up , ratify , subscribe