Dictionary
Thesaurus
Encyclopedia
Translator
Web
Popular Searches
Synonyms
Nearby Words

semaphoric

 - 2 dictionary results

sem⋅a⋅phore

  [sem-uh-fawr, -fohr] noun, verb, -phored, -phor⋅ing.
Use semaphoric in a Sentence
–noun
1. an apparatus for conveying information by means of visual signals, as a light whose position may be changed.
2. any of various devices for signaling by changing the position of a light, flag, etc.
3. a system of signaling, esp. a system by which a special flag is held in each hand and various positions of the arms indicate specific letters, numbers, etc.
–verb (used with object), verb (used without object)
4. to signal by semaphore or by some system of flags.
Origin:
1810–20; < Gk sêma sign + -phore

Related forms:
sem⋅a⋅phor⋅ic  [sem-uh-fawr-ik, -for-] , sem⋅a⋅phor⋅i⋅cal, adjective
sem⋅a⋅phor⋅i⋅cal⋅ly, adverb
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To semaphoric
sem·a·phore   (sěm'ə-fôr', -fōr')   
n.  

  1. A visual signaling apparatus with flags, lights, or mechanically moving arms, as one used on a railroad.

  2. A visual system for sending information by means of two flags that are held one in each hand, using an alphabetic code based on the position of the signaler's arms.

tr. & intr.v.   sem·a·phored, sem·a·phor·ing, sem·a·phores
To send (a message) or to signal by semaphore.

[Greek sēma, sign + -phore.]
sem'a·phor'ic adj., sem'a·phor'i·cal·ly adv.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
Cite This Source
Search another word or see semaphoric on Thesaurus | Reference
FacebookTwitterFollow us:
Partner Sites:
Ask AnswersEviteExpediaHotelsHotwireLife123LiveDailyMy Way