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 shops are full, which is a sign that the recession is past its worst
• something regarded as an indication 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 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: clinical signs of liver diseaseCompare with symptom.
• a miracle regarded as evidence of supernatural power (chiefly in biblical and literary use): he observed signs and miracles taking place
• [mass noun] North American the trail of a wild animal:wolverine sign

• 2a gesture or action used to convey information or an instruction:she gave him the thumbs-up sign
• an action or reaction that conveys something about someone:she gave no sign of having seen him
• a gesture used in a system of sign language.
• [mass noun]short for sign language.
• a symbol or word used to represent an operation, instruction, concept, or object in algebra, music, or other subjects: the integral sign ∫

• 3a notice on public display that gives information or instructions in a written or symbolic form:I didn’t see the ‘Stop’ sign

• 4 (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 sign of the Zodiac a person born under the sign of Virgo

• 5 Mathematics the positiveness or negativeness of a quantity: the last four bits hold a pattern to represent the sign of the number

verb

• 1 [with object] write one’s name on (a letter, card, document, etc.) to identify oneself as the writer or sender:the card was signed by the whole class
• authorize (a document or other written or printed material) by attaching a signature:the two countries signed a non-aggression 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 Imogen [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 manager plans to sign a new goalkeeper
• [no object] commit oneself to work by signing a contract:a new striker has signed for Blackburn

• 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: the Deaf Association Choir signed the hymns (as adjective signed)the theatre routinely puts on signed performances

• 3 [with object] indicate with signposts or other markers:the footpath is signed by the gate

• 4 [with object] archaic mark or consecrate with the sign of the cross: he signed himself with the cross