Origin of signal

1350–1400; Middle English (noun) < Medieval Latin signāle, Late Latin, noun use of neuter of signālis of a sign. See sign, -al2, -al1

OTHER WORDS FROM signal

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH signal

signal single

Words nearby signal

sign-up, signa, signable, signac, signage, signal, signal board, signal box, signal corps, signal generator, signal node

Words related to signal

noticeable, salient, conspicuous, momentous, noteworthy, indicator, alarm, cue, sign, beacon, gesture, warn, pronounced, striking, characteristic, notable, marked, arresting, individual, distinguished

Example sentences from the Web for signal

British Dictionary definitions for signal

signal
/ (ˈsɪɡnəl) /

noun

any sign, gesture, token, etc, that serves to communicate information
anything that acts as an incitement to action the rise in prices was a signal for rebellion
  1. a variable parameter, such as a current or electromagnetic wave, by which information is conveyed through an electronic circuit, communications system, etc
  2. the information so conveyed
  3. (as modifier)signal strength; a signal generator

adjective

distinguished or conspicuous
used to give or act as a signal

verb -nals, -nalling or -nalled or US -nals, -naling or -naled

to communicate (a message, etc) to (a person)

Derived forms of signal

signaller or US signaler, noun

Word Origin for signal

C16: from Old French seignal, from Medieval Latin signāle, from Latin signum sign

Scientific definitions for signal

signal
[ sĭg′nəl ]

A fluctuating quantity or impulse whose variations represent information. The amplitude or frequency of voltage, current, electric field strength, light, and sound can be varied as signals representing information.