semiosis

noun

se·​mi·​o·​sis ˌsē-mē-ˈō-səs How to pronounce semiosis (audio) ˌse-mē- How to pronounce semiosis (audio)
ˌsē-ˌmī-
: a process in which something functions as a sign to an organism

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Greek sēmeíōsis "indication, notice, inference from a sign," from sēmeiō-, variant stem of sēmeióomai, sēmeioústhai "to interpret from signs, infer" (derivative of sēmeîon "marking, sign, signal") + -sis -sis — more at semantic

First Known Use

circa 1907, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of semiosis was circa 1907

Dictionary Entries Near semiosis

Cite this Entry

“Semiosis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/semiosis. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Last Updated: - Definition revised
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