signal

—signaler; esp. Brit. signaller, n.

/sig"nl/, n., adj., v., signaled, signaling or (esp. Brit.) signalled, signalling.

n.

1. anything that serves to indicate, warn, direct, command, or the like, as a light, a gesture, an act, etc.: a traffic signal; a signal to leave.

2. anything agreed upon or understood as the occasion for concerted action.

3. an act, event, or the like that causes or incites some action: The unjust execution was the signal for revolt.

4. a token; indication.

5. Electronics. an electrical quantity or effect, as current, voltage, or electromagnetic waves, that can be varied in such a way as to convey information.

6. Cards. a play that reveals to one's partner a wish that he or she continue or discontinue the suit led.

adj.

7. serving as a signal; used in signaling: a signal flag.

8. unusual; notable; outstanding: a signal exploit.

v.t.

9. to make a signal to.

10. to communicate or make known by a signal.

v.i.

11. to make communication by a signal or signals.

[1350-1400; ME (n.) < ML signale, LL, n. use of neut. of signalis of a sign. See SIGN, -AL², -AL¹]

Syn. 1, 4. sign. 8. unique, exceptional, remarkable, striking.

* * *