Semaphore

Quick meaning: Semaphore is a noun meaning (ambitransitive, figurative) To signal using, or as if using, a semaphore, with the implication that it is done nonverbally.

Meaning

(ambitransitive, figurative) To signal using, or as if using, a semaphore, with the implication that it is done nonverbally.

More Meanings

1. Any equipment used for visual signalling by means of flags, lights, or mechanically moving arms, which are used to represent letters of the alphabet, or words.
2. A visual system for transmitting information using the above equipment; especially, by means of two flags held one in each hand, using an alphabetic and numeric code based on the position of the signaller's arms; flag semaphore.
3. (programming) A bit, token, fragment of code, or some other mechanism which is used to restrict access to a shared function or device to a single process at a time, or to synchronize and coordinate events in different processes.

Example Sentences

The arms of the semaphore at the settlement were, in fact, gesticulating with comical vehemence.

Now, a century later, semaphores and discs are giving place to colour and position lights. What will be the fashion in 2041? Universal continuous cab signalling?

And so they went down, Jim steering by his father, turn for turn, over the Mayapur Bar, with the semaphores on each bank duly signalling the depth of water, [...]

We must here take the liberty of expostulating with Sir Home [Riggs] Popham and the first Lord of the Admiralty, for having given to the telegraphic machine, invented by that gallant officer, the barbarous name of Semaphore, instead of Sematophore or Semophore—either of them ugly enough.

Word Forms

• semaphores
• semaphoring
• semaphored

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include signal, mutex, lighting, light, sign, signum.

Related Dictionary Tools