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semaphore

Syllabification: (sem·a·phore)
Pronunciation: /ˈseməˌfôr/
Translate semaphore | into German | into Spanish
Definition of semaphore

noun

  • 1a system of sending messages by holding the arms or two flags or poles in certain positions according to an alphabetic code.
  • a signal sent by semaphore.
  • 2an apparatus for signaling, consisting of an upright with movable parts.

verb

[with object]
  • send (a message) by semaphore or by signals resembling semaphore:Josh stands facing the rear and semaphoring the driver’s intentions

Derivatives

semaphoric

Pronunciation: /ˌseməˈfôrik/
adjective

semaphorically

Pronunciation: /ˌseməˈfôrik(ə)lē/
adverb

Origin:

early 19th century (denoting a signaling apparatus): from French sémaphore, formed irregularly from Greek sēma 'sign' + -phore

Spell semaphore with -ph- in the middle.

semaphore in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of semaphore in the British & World English dictionary

Nearby words

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