signaling

sig·nal  (sgnl)

n.

1.

a. An indicator, such as a gesture or colored light, that serves as a means of communication. See Synonyms at gesture.

b. A message communicated by such means.

2. Something that incites action: The peace treaty was the signal for celebration.

3. Electronics An impulse or a fluctuating electric quantity, such as voltage, current, or electric field strength, whose variations represent coded information.

4. The sound, image, or message transmitted or received in telegraphy, telephony, radio, television, or radar.

adj.

Notably out of the ordinary: a signal feat; a signal event.

v. sig·naled or sig·nalled, sig·nal·ing or sig·nal·ling, sig·nals

v.tr.

1. To make a signal to: I signaled the driver to proceed.

2. To relate or make known by signals: They have signaled their willingness to negotiate.

v.intr.

To make a signal or signals.

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[Middle English, from Old French, from Medieval Latin signle, from neuter of Late Latin signlis, of a sign, from Latin signum, sign; see sign.]

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signal·er, signal·ler n.

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

signaling - any nonverbal action or gesture that encodes a message; "signals from the boat suddenly stopped" signal, sign communication - something that is communicated by or to or between people or groups recording - a signal that encodes something (e.g., picture or sound) that has been recorded phone number, telephone number, number - the number is used in calling a particular telephone; "he has an unlisted number" starting signal, start - a signal to begin (as in a race); "the starting signal was a green light"; "the runners awaited the start" storm signal - a signal announcing the approach of a storm (particularly a storm of marked violence) beam, radio beam - a signal transmitted along a narrow path; guides airplane pilots in darkness or bad weather ticktack - system of signalling by hand signs used by bookmakers at racetracks time signal - a signal (especially electronic or by radio) indicating the precisely correct time dog-ear - a corner of a page turned down to mark your place animal communication - communication between animals (of the same species) alarum, warning signal, alarm, alert - an automatic signal (usually a sound) warning of danger distress call, distress signal - an internationally recognized signal sent out by a ship or plane indicating that help is needed all clear - a signal (usually a siren) that danger is over bugle call - a signal broadcast by the sound of a bugle curfew - a signal (usually a bell) announcing the start of curfew restrictions retreat - (military) a signal to begin a withdrawal from a dangerous position drumbeat - (military) the beating of a drum as a signal for lowering the flag at sundown radiotelegraphic signal, telegraphic signal - a signal transmitted by telegraphy whistle, whistling - the act of signalling (e.g., summoning) by whistling or blowing a whistle; "the whistle signalled the end of the game" high sign - a silent signal of warning or recognition; "she started to speak but he gave her the high sign" symbol - an arbitrary sign (written or printed) that has acquired a conventional significance visual signal - a signal that involves visual communication indicator - a signal for attracting attention electronic signal - a signal generated by electronic means radio beacon - a characteristic signal emitted by a transmitter used for navigation input, input signal - signal going into an electronic system output signal, output - signal that comes out of an electronic system