semaphore

Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary

Jump to: navigation, search
See also sémaphore

Contents

[edit] English

Wikipedia-logo.png
Wikipedia has an article on:

Wikipedia

[edit] Etymology

Borrowed in 1816 from French sémaphore, coined in French from Ancient Greek σῆμα (sêma), sign), and -φωρος (-phoros), bearing, bearer), from φέρω (férō), to bear, carry).

[edit] Pronunciation

  • (RP) IPA: /ˈsɛməˌfɔː/

[edit] Noun

Singular
semaphore

Plural
semaphores

semaphore (plural semaphores)

  1. Any visual signaling system with flags, lights, or mechanically moving arms.
  2. A visual system for transmitting information by means of two flags that are held one in each hand, using an alphabetic and numeric code based on the position of the signaler’s arms.
  3. (computing) 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.

[edit] Translations

[edit] Verb

Infinitive
to semaphore

Third person singular
semaphores

Simple past
semaphored

Past participle
semaphored

Present participle
semaphoring

to semaphore (third-person singular simple present semaphores, present participle semaphoring, simple past and past participle semaphored)

  1. (transitive) or (intransitive) To signal using (or as if using) a semaphore.
    • He semaphored his intention by wearing his best suit.

[edit] Translations

[edit] Trivia

Semaphore was the winning word at the 19th Scripps National Spelling Bee. [1]