semaphoric

sem·a·phore

(sĕm′ə-fôr′)

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.

American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

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References in periodicals archive ?

Interpreting dogs, with their diverse dialects and complex body language " wiggling butts, lip-licking, semaphoric ears and tails " often becomes subjective.

Is this dog dangerous?

Goerke was vocally so superb that her largely semaphoric acting seemed irrelevant.

San Francisco Opera

In Roof Piece, 1971, dancers stationed on SoHo rooftops make semaphoric gestures, raising and outstretching their arms in various configurations.