semiotics
[ see-mee-ot-iks, sem-ee-, see-mahy- ]
/ ˌsi miˈɒt ɪks, ˌsɛm i-, ˌsi maɪ- /
noun (used with a singular verb)
the study of signs and symbols as elements of communicative behavior; the analysis of systems of communication, as language, gestures, or clothing.
a general theory of signs and symbolism, usually divided into the branches of pragmatics, semantics, and syntactics.
OTHER WORDS FROM semiotics
se·mi·o·ti·cian [see-mee-uh-tish-uh n, sem-ee-, see-mahy-] /ˌsi mi əˈtɪʃ ən, ˌsɛm i-, ˌsi maɪ-/, nounWords nearby semiotics
Definition for semiotics (2 of 2)
semiotic
[ see-mee-ot-ik, sem-ee, see-mahy- ]
/ ˌsi miˈɒt ɪk, ˌsɛm i, ˌsi maɪ- /
adjective Also se·mi·ot·i·cal.
of or relating to signs.
of or relating to semiotics.
Medicine/Medical.
of or relating to symptoms; symptomatic.
noun
Origin of semiotic
1615–20;
(def 3) < Greek
sēmeiōtikós significant, equivalent to
sēmeiō-, verbid stem of
sēmeioûn to interpret as a sign (derivative of Greek
sēmeîon sign) +
-tikos
-tic;
(def 4) < Greek
sēmeiōtikḗ, noun use of feminine of
sēmeiōtikós, adapted by John Locke (on the model of Greek
logikḗ
logic, etc.; see
-ic) to mean “the doctrine of signs”;
(defs 1, 2) based on Locke's coinage or a reanalysis of the Gk word
Example sentences from the Web for semiotics
I resisted the then-loud siren song of Semiotics at Brown, and studied English instead.
So far, the semiotics out of Copenhagen Chic have split into (melting) poles.
His semiotics is the result of the fundamental pragmatic philosophy he developed.
The Civilization of Illiteracy |Mihai NadinTo people attuned to semiotics, the ad was a powerful visual device.
The Civilization of Illiteracy |Mihai Nadin
British Dictionary definitions for semiotics (1 of 2)
semiotics
semeiotics
/ (ˌsɛmɪˈɒtɪks, ˌsiːmɪ-) /
noun (functioning as singular)
the study of signs and symbols, esp the relations between written or spoken signs and their referents in the physical world or the world of ideas
See also semantics, syntactics, pragmatics
the scientific study of the symptoms of disease; symptomatology
Also:
semiology,
semeiology
British Dictionary definitions for semiotics (2 of 2)
semiotic
semeiotic
/ (ˌsɛmɪˈɒtɪk, ˌsiːmɪ-) /
adjective
relating to signs and symbols, esp spoken or written signs
relating to semiotics
of, relating to, or resembling the symptoms of disease; symptomatic
Word Origin for semiotic
C17: from Greek
sēmeiōtikos taking note of signs, from
sēmeion a sign