signals
English meaning: Signals
Definition
A sequence of states representing an encoded message in a communication channel.
Example
“The lighthouse sends signals to ships approaching the rocky coast.”
Another example: “She was giving off mixed signals about whether she wanted to stay.”
Usage — When, Where & How
Plural of 'signal'. Refers to indications or messages, whether physical gestures, electronic transmissions ('radio signals'), or figurative cues ('mixed signals'). Neutral to technical register.
Etymology & Origin
English — Origin & History
From Latin 'signalis' (of a sign), from 'signum' (sign, mark), via Old French, entering English in the 14th century.
Synonyms
- indications
- cues
- signs
- transmissions
- gestures
Related Words
- signal
- indication
- cue
- transmission
- sign
- message
Common Collocations
- mixed signals
- radio signals
- send signals
- warning signals
- traffic signals
Word Forms
signal (n, v & adj); signals (pl); signalled; signalling
Word Tools
Literary Heritage
“To thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man.”
/To thine own self be true/
“Be honest with yourself — and as naturally as night follows day, you will be unable to be false to others.”
“I'm nobody! Who are you? Are you nobody, too?”
/I'm nobody! Who are you?/
“I am nobody — and that quiet anonymity is more honest than the noise of public fame.”
Images
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Language information
- Language
- English
- English
- Script
- Latin
- Family
- Indo-European
- Speakers
- 1.5B