Signal
/ˈsɪɡ.nəl/noun
A sign, gesture, or transmitted message used to convey information or direct action.
Did you know?English *signal* ultimately comes through French and Latin from a root meaning “mark” or “sign,” the same deep root behind words like *sign*, *seal*, and *design*—proof that symbols have always been power technology.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*sek-
“to cut”
Latin
Latin
signum
“a mark, token, sign, military standard”
Late Latin
Latin
signalis
“of or pertaining to a sign”
Old French
Old French
signal
“a sign, indication, signal”
16th Century
English
signal
“a sign or token used to convey information”
Modern English
English
signal
“a message, gesture, or transmission that conveys information”