sign

noun

• 1an object, quality, or event whose presence or occurrence indicates the probable presence or occurrence of something else:flowers are often given as a sign of affection [with clause]:the stores are full, which is a sign that the recession is past its worst
• something regarded as an indication or evidence of what is happening or going to happen:the signs are that counterfeiting is growing at an alarming rate
• [with negative] used to indicate that someone or something is not present where they should be or are expected to be:there was still no sign of her
• Medicine an indication of a disease detectable by a medical practitioner even if not apparent to the patient. Compare with symptom.
• a miracle regarded as evidence of supernatural power (chiefly in biblical and literary use).
• North American any trace of a wild animal, especially its tracks or droppings:wolverine sign

• 2a gesture or action used to convey information or instructions:she gave him the thumbs-up sign
• a notice that is publicly displayed giving information or instructions in a written or symbolic form:I didn’t see the stop sign
• an action or reaction that conveys something about someone’s state or experiences:she gave no sign of having seen him
• a gesture used in a system of sign language.
• short for sign language.
• a symbol or word used to represent an operation, instruction, concept, or object in algebra, music, or other subjects.
• a word or gesture given according to prior arrangement as a means of identification; a password.

• 3 (also zodiacal sign) Astrology each of the twelve equal sections into which the zodiac is divided, named from the constellations formerly situated in each, and associated with successive periods of the year according to the position of the sun on the ecliptic:a person born under the sign of Virgo

• 4 Mathematics the positiveness or negativeness of a quantity.

verb

• 1 [with object] write one’s name on (a letter, card, or similar item) to identify oneself as the writer or sender:the card was signed by the whole class
• indicate agreement with or authorization of the contents of (a document or other written or printed material) by attaching a signature:the two countries signed a nonaggression treaty
• write (one’s name) for purposes of identification or authorization:she signed her name in the book [with object and complement]:she signed herself Ingrid [no object]:he signed on the dotted line
• engage (someone, typically a sports player or a musician) to work for one by signing a contract with them:the company signed 30 bands
• [no object] sign a contract committing oneself to work for a particular person or organization:Sherman has signed for another two seasons

• 2 [no object] use gestures to convey information or instructions: [with infinitive]:she signed to her husband to leave the room
• communicate in sign language:she was learning to sign
• [with object] express or perform (something) in sign language: (as adjective signed)the theater routinely puts on signed performances
• [with object] archaic mark or consecrate with the sign of the cross.