sem

n. sing. or pl. [ Gr. shmantikos having meaning, from sh^ma a sign. ] 1. pertaining to the meanings of words. [ PJC ]

2. of or pertaining to semantics. [ PJC ]

n. sing. or pl. [ Gr. shmantikos having meaning, from sh^ma a sign. ] 1. the study of the meanings of words and of the sense development of words; -- formerly called semasiology. [ PJC ]

2. a doctrine and philosophical approach to language and its relationship to thought and behavior, developed by Alfred Korzybski (1879-1950), which holds that the capacity to express ideas and thereby improve one's interaction with others and one's environment is enhanced by training in the more critical use of words and other symbols; -- also called general semantics. [ PJC ]

3. the meanings of words as they are used to achieve an effect; especially, the multiple meanings of words or the multiplicity of words having the same meaning; -- used in referring to the confusion that can be caused (intentionally or unintentionally) by multiple meanings; as, there's no real difference, it's only a matter of semantics. [ PJC ]

n. [ Gr. sh^ma a sign + fe`rein to bear: cf. F. sémaphore. ] A signal telegraph; an apparatus for giving signals by the disposition of lanterns, flags, oscillating arms, etc. [ 1913 Webster ]

{ a. [ Cf. F. sémaphorique. ] Of or pertaining to a semaphore, or semaphores; telegraphic. [ 1913 Webster ]

adv. By means of a semaphore. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. One who manages or operates a semaphore. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ Gr. shmasi`a signification + -logy. ] (Philol.) The science of meanings or sense development (of words); the explanation of the development and changes of the meanings of words; -- more commonly referred to as semantics. -- Se*ma`si*o*log"ic*al a. [Webster 1913 Suppl.]

a. [ Gr. sh^ma, sh`matos, sign, token. ] Significant; ominous; serving as a warning of danger; -- applied esp. to the warning colors or forms of certain animals. [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ]