sign
Plural
signs
1
a symbol or letters used in math, music, or other subjects to show an instruction, idea, etc.
- In mathematics, the plus sign (+) is commonly used to represent addition.
- In chemistry, chemical equations often include signs such as arrows (→) to denote the direction of a reaction.
- In computer programming, the equal sign (=) is frequently used as an assignment operator.
- Musical notation uses signs such as sharps (♯) and flats (♭) to indicate alterations in pitch.
- The infinity sign symbolizes something that has no end.
2
an objective or observable indication of a disorder, disease, or medical condition
- Fever can be a sign of infection.
- Swelling is a common sign of inflammation.
- The rash was an early sign of an allergic reaction.
- Persistent cough is a sign of respiratory illness.
- Medical tests can detect signs of disease.
3
a perceptible indication or clue of something not immediately obvious
- Dark clouds were a sign of approaching rain.
- The cracks in the wall were a sign of structural damage.
- Yellowing leaves are a sign of nutrient deficiency.
- The footprints in the sand were a sign someone had passed by.
- A change in behavior can be a sign of stress.
Synonyms:
4
a text or symbol that is displayed in public to give instructions, warnings, or information
- The sign at the entrance warns visitors to keep off the grass.
- There was a sign on the door saying "No Entry."
- The road sign indicated a sharp turn ahead.
- She saw a sign advertising the sale on the storefront.
- The sign by the elevator read "Out of Service."
6
a physical structure, typically a board, used for posting advertisements or notices
- A large neon sign advertised the theater.
- A temporary sign marked the event location.
- He painted the sign for his shop.
- The store's sign caught the attention of passersby.
- The street sign guided drivers to the exit.
Synonyms:
7
one of the twelve divisions of the zodiac, each associated with specific dates and characteristics
- He is a Leo, according to his zodiac sign.
- The astrology chart shows all twelve signs.
- People often read horoscopes for their sun sign.
- Her birth sign is Virgo.
- Each zodiac sign has unique personality traits.
8
a gesture or symbol that is part of a system of communication in sign language
- She learned the sign for "thank you" in American Sign Language.
- The teacher demonstrated the sign for "cat."
- Each sign conveys a specific word or concept.
- He practiced the signs with his deaf friend.
- The sign for "help" is widely recognized.
9
the property of an object, particle, or quantity indicating its polarity, such as positive or negative electric charge
- Electrons have a negative sign, while protons have a positive sign.
- The sign of the charge determines the direction of the electric field.
- Opposite signs attract, and like signs repel.
- Measuring the sign of a particle is essential in experiments.
- The ion carries a positive or negative sign depending on its electron count.
Synonyms:
10
a fundamental unit of language linking a signifier to what it signifies
A sign is a basic unit that conveys meaning and represents a concept, idea, or object. It consists of two main parts: the signifier, which is the form that the sign takes, such as a word, image, or sound, and the signified, which is the concept or idea that the sign represents. The relationship between the signifier and the signified is often arbitrary, meaning that there is no inherent connection between the two; instead, it is based on social or cultural agreements. For example, the word "tree" is a sign where "tree" is the signifier and the actual concept of a tree is the signified. Understanding signs is essential for interpreting language and communication, as they allow people to share and convey complex ideas effectively.
- Words are the primary signs in spoken language.
- In semiotics, a sign combines form and meaning.
- Linguists analyze how signs operate in language systems.
- Written symbols function as linguistic signs.
- The meaning of a sign depends on context.
11
the property of a number indicating whether it is positive or negative, excluding zero
- The sign of 5 is positive.
- Negative numbers carry a minus sign.
- The function changes sign at the root.
- The equation includes terms of differing signs.
- Determining the sign of a number is essential in calculations.