signal

I. noun Etymology: Middle English, from Medieval Latin signale, from Late Latin, neuter of signalis of a sign, from Latin signum Date: 14th century 1. sign, indication 2. a. an act, event, or watchword that has been agreed on as the occasion of concerted action b. something that incites to action 3. something (as a sound, gesture, or object) that conveys notice or warning 4. a. an object used to transmit or convey information beyond the range of human voice b. the sound or image conveyed in telegraphy, telephony, radio, radar, or television c. a detectable physical quantity or impulse (as a voltage, current, or magnetic field strength) by which messages or information can be transmitted II. verb (signaled or signalled; signaling or signalling) Date: 1805 transitive verb 1. to notify by a signal <

signal the fleet to turn back

> 2. a. to communicate or indicate by or as if by signals <

signaled the end of an era

> b. to constitute a characteristic feature of (a meaningful linguistic form) intransitive verb to make or send a signal • signaler or signaller noun III. adjective Etymology: modification of French signalé, past participle of signaler to distinguish, from Old Italian segnalare to signal, distinguish, from segnale signal, from Medieval Latin signale Date: 1627 distinguished from the ordinary ; notable <

a signal achievement

>