n. 2. A distinctive mark, characteristic, or sound indicating identity: A surprise ending is the signature of an O. Henry short story. 3. Medicine The part of a physician's prescription containing directions to the patient. 4. Music a. A sign used to indicate key. b. A sign used to indicate tempo. 5. Printing a. A letter, number, or symbol placed at the bottom of the first page on each sheet of printed pages of a book as a guide to the proper sequence of the sheets in binding. b. A large sheet printed with four or a multiple of four pages that when folded becomes a section of the book. 6. See chemical signature. [French, from Old French, from Medieval Latin signātūra, from Latin signātus, past participle of signāre, to mark, from signum, sign; see SIGN.] |
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