SOS
Definition from Wiktionary, the free dictionary
See also sos
Contents |
[edit] Translingual
[edit] Etymology
Chosen because its morse code sequence (· · · — — — · · ·) was easy to remember. Many mnemonics and backronyms were later formed from the sequence.
[edit] Symbol
SOS
[edit] Usage notes
The code SOS is normally only used in text transmission; for voice communication, mayday is used. The sequence is normally transmitted run together without any letter spacing in between, so it is technically a single unique code rather than a series of three letters.
[edit] Synonyms
[edit] See also
[edit] English
[edit] Pronunciation
[edit] Etymology 1
From the letters represented by the signal, chosen as a sequence that is easy to recall and transmit (· · · — — — · · ·); it is not, as is commonly believed, an abbreviation for "save our souls", "save our ship" or any other phrase.
[edit] Noun
SOS (plural SOS's)
- The conventional Morse code call made by a ship in distress.
- The keel has been scuppered — send out an SOS.
[edit] See also
[edit] Etymology 2
[edit] Initialism
SOS
[edit] Etymology 3
[edit] Noun
SOS (plural SOSes)
- (games) a children's game involving placing S's and O's on a grid, and collecting points by creating an "SOS" sequence, played with alternating turns by opponents.
