Definition of gesture

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< gesticulation

gesundheit >

ges·ture    (jschr) KEY  

NOUN:

1. A motion of the limbs or body made to express or help express thought or to emphasize speech.
2. The act of moving the limbs or body as an expression of thought or emphasis.
3. An act or a remark made as a formality or as a sign of intention or attitude: sent flowers as a gesture of sympathy.

VERB:
ges·tured , ges·tur·ing , ges·tures
VERB:
intr.

To make gestures.

VERB:
tr.

To show, express, or direct by gestures.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English, from Medieval Latin gestra, bearing, from Latin gestus, past participle of gerere, to behave

OTHER FORMS:
gestur·al (Adjective), gestur·al·ly (Adverb), gestur·er (Noun)

SYNONYMS:
gesture , gesticulation , sign , signal

These nouns denote an expressive, meaningful bodily motion: a gesture of approval; frantic gesticulations to get help; made a sign for silence; gave the signal to advance.

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