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gestures - 2 dictionary results

ges⋅ture

  [jes-cher] noun, verb, -tured, -tur⋅ing.
Use gestures in a Sentence
–noun
1. a movement or position of the hand, arm, body, head, or face that is expressive of an idea, opinion, emotion, etc.: the gestures of an orator; a threatening gesture.
2. the use of such movements to express thought, emotion, etc.
3. any action, courtesy, communication, etc., intended for effect or as a formality; considered expression; demonstration: a gesture of friendship.
–verb (used without object)
4. to make or use a gesture or gestures.
–verb (used with object)
5. to express by a gesture or gestures.
Origin:
1375–1425; late ME < ML gestūra mode of action, manner, bearing, equiv. to L gest(us) ptp. of gerere to bear, carry on, perform + ūra -ure

Related forms:
ges⋅tur⋅al, adjective
ges⋅tur⋅er, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To gestures
ges·ture   (jěs'chər)   
n.  
  1. A motion of the limbs or body made to express or help express thought or to emphasize speech.
  2. The act of moving the limbs or body as an expression of thought or emphasis.
  3. An act or a remark made as a formality or as a sign of intention or attitude: sent flowers as a gesture of sympathy.
v.   ges·tured, ges·tur·ing, ges·tures

v.   intr.
To make gestures.
v.   tr.
To show, express, or direct by gestures.

[Middle English, from Medieval Latin gestūra, bearing, from Latin gestus, past participle of gerere, to behave.]
ges'tur·al adj., ges'tur·al·ly adv., ges'tur·er n.
Synonyms: These nouns denote an expressive, meaningful bodily motion: a gesture of approval; frantic gesticulations to get help; made a sign for silence; gave the signal to advance.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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