signal

Meanings

Noun

• A sequence of states representing an encoded message in a communication channel.
• Any variation of a quantity or change in an entity over time that conveys information upon detection.
• A sign made to give notice of some occurrence, command, or danger, or to indicate the start of a concerted action.
• An on-off light, semaphore, or other device used to give an indication to another person.
• An electromagnetic action, normally a voltage that is a function of time, that conveys the information of the radio or TV program or of communication with another party.
• An action, change or process done to convey information and thus reduce uncertainty.
• A token; an indication; a foreshadowing; a sign.
• Useful information, as opposed to noise.
• A simple interprocess communication used to notify a process or thread of an occurrence.
• A signalling interaction between cells

Verb

• To indicate; to convey or communicate by a signal.
• To communicate with (a person or system) by a signal.

Adjective

• Standing above others in rank, importance, or achievement.

Related

Opposite words

• noise

Origin

• From Old French segnal, seignal or Medieval Latin signāle; noun use of the neuter of Late Latin signālis, from Latin signum; verb use from 1805, as a shortened from signalize (1650s).