semaphore

Meaning

Noun

1. (countable, uncountable) 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. (countable, uncountable) 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. (countable, uncountable) 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.

Verb

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

Synonyms

signal

traffic light

🚦

signal post

traffic lights

robot

🤖

guide

stoplight

teleseme

brief

banner

traffic signal

usher

guide on

signalling mechanism

flag signaling

mentor

Translations

sémaphore

semáforo

🚦

semafoor

semafor

semaforo

🚦

Semaphor

semàfor

🚦

Zeichenträger

Ampel

🚦

seinpaal

Signalmast

signaleren

feu

🔥

Verkehrsampel

🚦

σηματογράφος

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ˈsɛm.əˌfɔː/

Etymology

The noun is borrowed from French sémaphore, from Ancient Greek σῆμα (sêma, “mark, sign, token”) + French -phore (from Ancient Greek -φόρος (-phóros, suffix indicating a bearer or carrier)). By surface analysis, sema- + -phore.
The verb is derived from the noun.