Looking up...
signal
/ˈsɪɡnəl/
a sign or indication
The traffic lights give a signal to drivers when to stop.
The traffic lights use light signals to tell drivers when they must stop.
general
a sign, gesture, or action that conveys information or instructions
She gave me a signal to leave the room quietly.
She used a gesture to tell me to leave the room without making noise.
The coach sent a signal to the players to change their strategy.
The coach communicated a change in strategy to the players through a signal.
Can be visual, auditory, or tactile.
Technology
technical
an electrical or electromagnetic impulse used in communication or control systems
The satellite received a weak signal from the ground station.
The satellite detected a faint electromagnetic signal transmitted from the ground station.
The engineer adjusted the signal strength to improve transmission quality.
The engineer modified the power of the electromagnetic signal to enhance the clarity of the data being sent.
Common in telecommunications, electronics, and computing.
Collocations
send a signalto transmit or communicate a message or instructionstrong signala clear or powerful communication or indicationsignal strengththe intensity or quality of a transmitted signal
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Context Matters
The meaning of 'signal' changes based on context—general communication or technical transmission.
Gold Rule
Technical vs. General
In technical fields, 'signal' refers to electromagnetic transmissions, while in everyday language, it refers to indications or cues.
Word Origin
From Old French 'signe' (sign), from Latin 'signum' (mark, sign). First known use in English: 14th century.
Usage Notes
In everyday language, 'signal' often refers to a deliberate indication. In technical contexts, it refers to electromagnetic or electronic transmissions.
Word Breakdown
sign
a mark or indication
root-al
relating to
suffixEnglish Dictionary