gesture

 
Pronunciation: /ˈdʒɛstʃə/

noun

  • a movement of part of the body, especially a hand or the head, to express an idea or meaning: Alex made a gesture of apology [mass noun]: so much is conveyed by gesture
  • an action performed to convey a feeling or intention: Maggie was touched by the kind gesture a gesture of goodwill
  • an action performed for show in the knowledge that it will have no effect: I hope the amendment will not be just a gesture

verb

[no object]
  • make a gesture: she gestured meaningfully with the pistol
  • [with object and adverbial or infinitive] direct (someone) somewhere by means of a gesture: he gestured her towards a chair

Derivatives

gestural

adjective

Origin:

late Middle English: from medieval Latin gestura, from Latin gerere 'bear, wield, perform'. The original sense was 'bearing, deportment', hence 'the use of posture and bodily movements for effect in oratory'