Signal Meaning
Signal Definition & Usage
A gesture, sound, or other sign that conveys information, instructions, or warnings.
Examples
- "He gave a signal to the waiter to bring the check."
- "The traffic light turned green, signaling drivers to move forward."
- "The signal from the coastguard indicated it was safe to proceed."
- "At the meeting, her nod was a signal that she agreed with the proposal."
- "When the bell rang, it was a signal for the students to leave class."
A transmitted electrical impulse used in communication or control systems.
Examples
- "The satellite uses a signal to transmit data back to Earth."
- "The radio signal was weak, and we had trouble receiving the broadcast."
- "A signal was sent to the alarm system to activate it in case of a break-in."
- "The technician adjusted the signal strength for optimal reception."
- "The computer's wireless signal dropped, causing the connection to fail."
To send or convey a signal, message, or instruction.
Examples
- "She signaled to the driver to stop the car."
- "He signaled the team to begin the play."
- "They signaled for help when the boat began to sink."
- "The officer signaled the crowd to disperse."
- "The coach signaled to the players to stay in position."
Cultural Context
The term 'signal' has been used for centuries, deriving from the Latin word 'signum', which means a mark, token, or sign. Its application spans a variety of fields, from everyday life (traffic signals, hand gestures) to highly technical domains (radio waves, digital signals). Signals are integral to communication, whether through verbal cues or electronic transmissions.
The Hidden Signal
Story
The Hidden Signal
It was a quiet evening in the small town of Windward, and the streets were bathed in the soft glow of the streetlights. As the clock struck seven, Emma sat at her kitchen table, scrolling through her phone when a sudden knock at the door startled her. She opened it to find a tall figure dressed in a military uniform. Without a word, the soldier raised his hand in the familiar signal—a subtle wave of his fingers that she had learned to recognize during her childhood. It was a signal, one she had long since forgotten, but now, in this unexpected moment, it felt like a message from the past. 'Come with me,' he said, motioning for her to follow. Emma hesitated but recognized the urgency in his eyes. The soldier led her through the quiet streets to a secluded area near the old observatory. There, an old radio tower stood, its signal lights blinking intermittently. The soldier explained that an important transmission was coming through that could help the town. As they climbed up the tower, Emma could hear the faint sound of static and then a clear voice, signaling an imminent danger. She understood the message—it was a distress signal. The town needed to evacuate before a flood from the nearby river could reach them. Emma quickly signaled to the others, and within moments, the entire town was in motion. By the time the floodwaters began to rise, the town was safely relocated. Emma smiled to herself, grateful for the signals, both the ones she had learned as a child and the one the universe had sent her that evening. She had never imagined that one small gesture could change everything. The town was safe, and for the first time in years, Emma felt like she had answered a call, both literal and metaphorical, in the form of a signal that saved them all.
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