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 sudddenly stopped" [syn: {signal}, {signaling}]
4: 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: 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: converse silently and non-verbally; converse in sign
language; "I don't know how to sign, so I could not
communicate with my deaf cousin" [syn: {signal}, {signalize}]
6: place signs, as along a road; "sign an intersection"; "This
road has been signed"
7: communicate by a sign or signs; "She signed that she was
prepared to come along"
8: make the sign of the cross over someone in order to call on
God for protection; consecrate [syn: {bless}]