What does semaphore mean?

Definitions for semaphore
ˈsɛm əˌfɔr, -ˌfoʊrsem·a·phore

This dictionary definitions page includes all the possible meanings, example usage and translations of the word semaphore.

Princeton's WordNet

  1. semaphoreverb

    an apparatus for visual signaling with lights or mechanically moving arms

  2. semaphoreverb

    send signals by or as if by semaphore

  3. semaphoreverb

    convey by semaphore, of information

Wiktionary

  1. semaphorenoun

    Any visual signaling system with flags, lights, or mechanically moving arms.

  2. semaphorenoun

    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. semaphorenoun

    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.

  4. semaphoreverb

    To signal using (or as if using) a semaphore.

  5. Etymology: Borrowed in 1816 from sémaphore, coined in French from σῆμα, and, from φέρω.

Wikipedia

  1. Semaphore

    Semaphore (lit. 'apparatus for signalling'; from Ancient Greek σῆμα (sêma) 'mark, sign, token', and Greek -φόρος (-phóros) 'bearer, carrier') is the use of an apparatus to create a visual signal transmitted over distance. A semaphore can be performed with devices including: fire, lights, flags, sunlight, and moving arms. Semaphores can be used for telegraphy when arranged in visually connected networks, or for traffic signalling such as in railway systems, or traffic lights in cities.

ChatGPT

  1. semaphore

    A semaphore is a synchronization tool used in concurrent programming (multiprocessing or multithreading) to protect shared resources. It is basically a variable or abstract data type that provides a simple way to control access to shared resources in a computing environment by multiple the processes, which helps avoid critical section problems or race conditions. Semaphores can also be used to solve various synchronization problems, coordinate process activities, and manage access to resources during parallel processing.

Webster Dictionary

  1. Semaphorenoun

    a signal telegraph; an apparatus for giving signals by the disposition of lanterns, flags, oscillating arms, etc

  2. Etymology: [Gr. sh^ma a sign + fe`rein to bear: cf. F. smaphore.]

Chambers 20th Century Dictionary

  1. Semaphore

    sem′a-fōr, n. a contrivance for conveying signals, consisting of a mast with arms turned on pivots by means of cords or levers.—adjs. Semaphor′ic, -al, telegraphic—adv. Semaphor′ically. [Gr. sēma, a sign, pherein, to bear.]

The Nuttall Encyclopedia

  1. Semaphore

    a name applied to the mechanism employed for telegraphing purposes prior to the discovery of the electric telegraph; invented in 1767 by Richard Edgeworth, but first extensively used by the French in 1794, and afterwards adopted by the Admiralty in England; consisted at first of six shutters set in two rotating circular frames, which, by opening and shutting in various ways, were capable of conveying sixty-three distinct signals; these were raised on the tops of wooden towers erected on hills; later a different form was adopted consisting of a mast and two arms worked by winches. The speed at which messages could be transmitted was very great; thus a message could be sent from London to Portsmouth and an answer be received all within 45 seconds. The railway signal now in use is a form of semaphore.

Dictionary of Nautical Terms

  1. semaphore

    An expeditious mode of communication by signal; it consists of upright posts and movable arms, now chiefly used for railway signals, electric telegraphs being found better for great distances.

Military Dictionary and Gazetteer

  1. semaphore

    A machine for facilitating the internal communications of the country by means of telegraphic signals, especially between the government and the military or naval functionaries of the outposts; but its use has been entirely superseded by the introduction of the railways and the electric telegraph.

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Numerology

  1. Chaldean Numerology

    The numerical value of semaphore in Chaldean Numerology is: 4

  2. Pythagorean Numerology

    The numerical value of semaphore in Pythagorean Numerology is: 1

Popularity rank by frequency of use

semaphore#10000#36414#100000

Translations for semaphore

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"semaphore." Definitions.net. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 19 Mar. 2024. <https://www.definitions.net/definition/semaphore>.

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