Main Entry: ¹sig·nal

Pronunciation: \ˈsig-n^əl\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English, from Medieval Latin signale, from Late Latin, neuter of signalis of a sign, from Latin signum

Date: 14th century

1 : sign, indication
2 a : an act, event, or watchword that has been agreed on as the occasion of concerted action b : something that incites to action
3 : something (as a sound, gesture, or object) that conveys notice or warning
4 a : an object used to transmit or convey information beyond the range of human voice b : the sound or image conveyed in telegraphy, telephony, radio, radar, or television c : a detectable physical quantity or impulse (as a voltage, current, or magnetic field strength) by which messages or information can be transmitted