sign

(noun) a perceptible indication of something not immediately apparent (as a visible clue that something has happened). Synonyms: mark. Examples: "He showed signs of strain." "They welcomed the signs of spring."

(noun) a public display of a message. Example: "He posted signs in all the shop windows."

(noun) any nonverbal action or gesture that encodes a message. Synonyms: signal, signaling. Example: "Signals from the boat suddenly stopped."

(noun) structure displaying a board on which advertisements can be posted. Synonyms: signboard. Example: "The highway was lined with signboards."

(noun) (astrology) one of 12 equal areas into which the zodiac is divided. Synonyms: sign of the zodiac, star sign, mansion, house, planetary house.

(noun) (medicine) any objective evidence of the presence of a disorder or disease. Example: "There were no signs of asphyxiation."

(noun) having an indicated pole (as the distinction between positive and negative electric charges). Synonyms: polarity. Examples: "He got the polarity of the battery reversed." "Charges of opposite sign."

(noun) an event that is experienced as indicating important things to come. Synonyms: augury, foretoken, preindication. Examples: "He hoped it was an augury." "It was a sign from god."

(noun) a gesture that is part of a sign language.

(noun) a fundamental linguistic unit linking a signifier to that which is signified. Example: "The bond between the signifier and the signified is arbitrary"--de saussure."

(noun) a character indicating a relation between quantities. Example: "Don't forget the minus sign."

(verb) mark with one's signature; write one's name (on). Synonyms: subscribe. Examples: "She signed the letter and sent it off." "Please sign here."

(verb) approve and express assent, responsibility, or obligation. Synonyms: ratify. Examples: "All parties ratified the peace treaty." "Have you signed your contract yet?."

(verb) be engaged by a written agreement. Examples: "He signed to play the casino on dec. 18." "The soprano signed to sing the new opera."

(verb) engage by written agreement. Synonyms: contract, sign on, sign up. Example: "They signed two new pitchers for the next season."

(verb) communicate silently and non-verbally by signals or signs. Synonyms: signal, signalize, signalise. Examples: "He signed his disapproval with a dismissive hand gesture." "The diner signaled the waiters to bring the menu."

(verb) place signs, as along a road. Examples: "Sign an intersection." "This road has been signed."

(verb) communicate in sign language. Example: "I don't know how to sign, so i could not communicate with my deaf cousin."

(verb) make the sign of the cross over someone in order to call on God for protection; consecrate. Synonyms: bless.

(adj) used of the language of the deaf. Synonyms: gestural, sign(prenominal), signed, sign-language(prenominal).