signal

Meanings

1. 1
   adj

   notably out of the ordinary

   the year saw one signal triumph for the Labour party

2. 2
   noun

   any nonverbal action or gesture that encodes a message

   signals from the boat suddenly stopped

3. 3
   noun

   any incitement to action

   They awaited the signal to start.

4. 4
   noun

   A sign made to give notice of some occurrence, command, or danger, or to indicate the start of a concerted action.

   All obeyed / The wonted signal and superior voice / Of this great potentate.

5. 5
   noun

   An electromagnetic action, normally a voltage that is a function of time, that conveys the information of the radio or TV program or of communication with another party.

   My mobile phone can't get a signal in the railway station.

6. 6
   noun

   A token; an indication; a foreshadowing; a sign.

   The weary sun […] / Gives signal of a goodly day to-morrow.

7. 7
   verb

   To indicate; to convey or communicate by a signal.

   I signalled my acquiescence with a nod.

8. 8
   verb

   To communicate with (a person or system) by a signal.

   Seeing the flames, he ran to the control room and signalled headquarters.

Etymology

From Old French segnal, seignal or Medieval Latin signāle; noun use of the neuter of Late Latin signālis, from Latin signum; verb use from 1805, as a shortened from signalize (1650s). Doublet of signum and sign.