Dictionary

1semaphore

noun sem·a·phore \ˈse-mə-ˌfr\

: a system used for sending signals by using two flags that are held in your hands

Full Definition of SEMAPHORE

1
:  an apparatus for visual signaling (as by the position of one or more movable arms)
2
:  a system of visual signaling by two flags held one in each hand
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Illustration of SEMAPHORE

Origin of SEMAPHORE

Greek sēma sign, signal + International Scientific Vocabulary -phore
First Known Use: 1816

2semaphore

verb
semaphoredsemaphor·ing

Definition of SEMAPHORE

transitive verb
:  to convey (information) by or as if by semaphore
intransitive verb
:  to send signals by or as if by semaphore

First Known Use of SEMAPHORE

1893
SEMAPHORE[1] Defined for Kids

semaphore

noun sem·a·phore \ˈse-mə-ˌfr\

Definition of SEMAPHORE for Kids

1
:  a device for sending signals that can be seen by the receiver
2
:  a system of sending signals with two flags held one in each hand

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