sign (
http://definr.com/sign)
adj : used of the language of the deaf [syn:
gestural,
sign(a),
signed,
sign-language(a)]
n 1: 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" [syn:
mark]
2: a public display of a (usually written) message; "he posted
signs in all the shop windows"
3: any communication that encodes a message; "signals from the
boat suddenly stopped" [syn:
signal,
signaling]
4: structure displaying a board on which advertisements can be
posted; "the highway was lined with signboards" [syn:
signboard]
5: one of 12 equal areas into which the zodiac is divided [syn:
sign of the zodiac,
mansion,
house, {planetary
house}]
6: (medical) any objective evidence of the presence of a
disorder or disease; "there were no signs of asphixiation"
7: 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" [syn:
polarity]
8: an event that is experienced as indicating important things
to come; "he hoped it was an augury"; "it was a sign from
God" [syn:
augury]
9: a gesture that is part of a sign language
10: (linguistics) a fundamental linguistic unit linking a
signifier to that which is signified; "The bond between
the signifier and the signified is arbitrary"--de
Saussure
11: a character indicating a relation between quantities; "don't
forget the minus sign"
v 1: mark with one's signature; write one's name (on); "She
signed the letter and sent it off"; "Please sign here"
[syn:
subscribe]
2: write one's name in token of assent, responsibility, or
obligation; "All parties signed the peace treaty"; "Have
you signed your contract yet?" [syn:
ratify]
3: be engaged by a written agreement; "He signed to play the
casino on Dec. 18"; "The soprano signed to sing the new
opera"
4: engage by written agreement; "They signed two new pitchers
for the next season" [syn:
fee,
contract,
sign on, {sign
up}]
5: 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" [syn:
signal,
signalize]
6: place signs, as along a road; "sign an intersection"; "This
road has been signed"
7: communicate in sign language; "I don't know how to sign, so
I could not communicate with my deaf cousin"
8: make the sign of the cross over someone in order to call on
God for protection; consecrate [syn:
bless]