semiotics
nounUK /ˌsɛm.iˈɒt.ɪks/ · US /ˌsɛm.iˈɑt.ɪks/
Etymology Coined by John Locke from Ancient Greek σημειωτικός (sēmeiōtikós, “fitted for marking, portending”), from σημειόω (sēmeióō, “to mark, interpret as a portend”), from σημεῖον (sēmeîon, “a mark, sign, token”), from σῆμα (sêma, “mark, sign”).
1
The study of signs and symbols, especially as means of language or communication.
2
Dated The study of medical signs and symptoms; symptomatology.
- Derived terms
- anthroposemiotics, biosemiotics, endosemiotics, exosemiotics, phytosemiotics, psychosemiotics, sociological semiotics, sociosemiotics, zoosemiotics