Semaphoring: meaning, definitions and examples

🚩
Add to dictionary

semaphoring

 

[ sɪˈmæfərɪŋ ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

communication method

Semaphore is a method of conveying information at a distance by means of visual signals, typically in the form of flags or lights. Each position of the flags or lights represents a different letter, number, or command. This form of communication is especially useful when radio or other electronic communication is unavailable. Semaphore signaling can be used for maritime communication and is often utilized in naval contexts.

Synonyms

flag signaling, signal, visual signaling.

Examples of usage

  • The sailor used semaphore to signal the ship.
  • They learned semaphore in their communication class.
  • Semaphore flags were flown to convey important messages.

Translations

Translations of the word "semaphoring" in other languages:

🇵🇹 semaforização

🇮🇳 सिग्नलिंग

🇩🇪 Semaphore

🇮🇩 semaphor

🇺🇦 сигналізація

🇵🇱 semaforyzacja

🇯🇵 信号化

🇫🇷 sémaphore

🇪🇸 semaforización

🇹🇷 semaforizasyon

🇰🇷 신호화

🇸🇦 إشارات

🇨🇿 semaforizace

🇸🇰 semaforizácia

🇨🇳 信号化

🇸🇮 semaforizacija

🇮🇸 sniðmerki

🇰🇿 сигнализация

🇬🇪 სიგნალიზაცია

🇦🇿 semaforizasiya

🇲🇽 semaforización

Etymology

The term 'semaphoring' originates from the French word 'semaphore', which is derived from the Greek 'sema', meaning 'sign', and 'phoros', meaning 'to carry'. The concept of semaphore as a form of communication has ancient roots, with various cultures using flag signaling techniques to convey messages over long distances. Semaphore systems gained significant popularity in the early 19th century, particularly in maritime and military contexts. The use of semaphore systems often involved the establishment of semaphore towers, which were equipped with movable arms or flags to visually communicate messages between locations. Over time, the methodology of semaphore signaling developed and was standardized, leading to its continued use in specific communication niches even in the era of modern electronic communications.