Simplified Signs: A Manual Sign-Communication System for Special. Volume 2
| , , ,11. The Simplified Sign System Lexicon
Texte intégral
1In the pages that follow, we provide a line drawing together with a written description of how each sign in the Simplified Sign System (SSS) is formed. Although we anticipate that most people will find each drawing sufficiently clear for them to produce a particular sign accurately, we hope that the written description will help resolve any remaining questions about a sign’s formation. (Please see the preceding chapter for a more detailed discussion of the handshapes, palm orientations, and finger/knuckle orientations that we use to describe our signs, as well as information on how to interpret the sign drawings.)
2Accompanying each sign description is a short sentence that ties a particular sign’s formation to its underlying concept. We believe that these short sentences will serve as effective memory aids in the learning and recall of the signs. We have also included a more detailed explanation of the relationship between a sign’s formation (its handshape, location, and/or movement) and its meaning. These longer memory aids help to make the connection between the form, location, or action of a sign and its meaning clearer or even more explicit. For users whose first language is not English, we have often provided a definition of the main gloss or concept. Finally, we have listed synonyms for most entries in the lexicon so that users can quickly see the range of meanings that a sign may represent.
3The active spread- or 5-hand (the hand is flat with fingers spread apart and extended), palm facing down and fingers pointing to the side, initially is held about six inches above the stationary spread-or 5-hand, palm facing down and fingers pointing to the opposite side. Both hands are in front of the body at chest level. The upper, active hand then circles horizontally above the lower, stationary hand.
4The act of showing the area over or above the lower hand.
5The active hand represents one space, area, or location that is positioned at a higher level than another space, area, or location (represented by the stationary hand). Above means that something is in a higher place or on a higher floor. This sign may also be used to indicate an area that is located aboveground or above the surface of a body of water (represented by the stationary forearm).
6The tips of the index finger and thumb of the active baby O-hand (the index finger and thumb are curved and touch at their tips from an otherwise closed hand), palm facing down and knuckles pointing diagonally forward, initially touch the lower part of the stationary forearm, palm facing down. Both hands are in front of the body at lower chest level. The active hand then slowly moves up the forearm in a series of small hops.
7The act of inserting acupuncture needles into one’s skin.
8The active hand grasps imaginary acupuncture needles and inserts them into different parts of a person’s stationary arm. Acupuncture is a medical practice from China in which thin needles are used to block or release pain in specific areas of the body.
ADDITION (MATH)

Synonyms: Add To, Additional, Add Up, Augment, Bonus, Extra, Sum, Summation (total), Supplement, Total (math)
9The active tapered- or O-hand (the fingers are together and curved, with the finger tips touching the thumb tip), palm facing up and knuckles pointing forward, initially is held in front of and to the side of the body near waist level. The stationary flat-hand (the hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palm facing up and fingers pointing diagonally forward, is held in front of the body at chest level. The active hand then arcs up and to the side, rotating so that the palm faces down and knuckles point diagonally forward as the tips of the fingers and thumb touch the upturned palm of the stationary hand.
10The act of adding the contents of one hand to the contents of another hand.
11The active hand represents an extra amount of something that is added to and supplements, augments, or increases the amount that one already has (represented by the stationary hand). This sign is also used to represent the mathematical process of addition. Addition is a calculation in which numbers are combined together to form a sum or total amount.
12The C-hand (the fingers are together and curved, with the thumb opposite the fingers), palm facing out and fingers pointing mostly up, initially is held in front of the opposite side of the body at chin level. The hand then moves to the other side.
13The act of placing a nameplate on the door to one’s office.
14A person who works in an office building often has a nameplate attached to the door or the wall outside of his or her office. The fingers trace the upper edge and the thumb traces the lower edge of such a nameplate. This sign may also be used to represent the rectangular shape of a large address label. An address indicates where a person or organization is located.
AFRAID

Synonyms: Apprehensive, Cowardly, Craven, Faint-Hearted, Fear, Fearful, Fright, Frightened, Panic, Phobia, Pusillanimous, Scared, Terrified, Timid, Timorous
15Spread- or 5-hands (each hand is flat with fingers spread apart and extended), palms facing in and fingers pointing diagonally up to opposite sides, initially are held in front of the sides of the body at chest level. The hands then crisscross as they move diagonally up to opposite sides. The action is repeated. A fearful or scared facial expression is appropriate.
16The act of covering one’s heart when one is scared or frightened.
17When a person is afraid, his or her hands often move to cover or protect his or her heart (represented by the final position). To be afraid means that a person is scared, frightened, or full of fear. Fear is a natural response to a dangerous, shocking, or uncertain situation.
18The elbow of the active flat-hand (the hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palm facing out and fingers pointing up, rests on the back of the stationary flat-hand, palm facing down and fingers pointing to the side. The stationary hand is in front of the body at lower chest level. The active hand then arcs several inches out to the side of the body.
19The act of the hour hand of a wall clock moving past 12: 00 (noon).
20The active hand and forearm represent the hour hand of a clock. Initially, the hand points straight up (indicating noon or 12: 00 pm), but then the hand moves out to the side as the afternoon progresses. Afternoon is the period of a day lasting from noon to evening. The active hand may also represent the sun as it moves beyond its highest point in the sky (during the day at noon) to indicate the afternoon. Related to the sign for Noon.
AGAIN

Synonyms: Accustomed To, Frequently, Habit, Habitually, Often, On a Regular Basis, Once More, Practice, Recurrent, Regularly, Repeat, Repeatedly, Repetition, Reiterate, Routine, Time After Time, Typically, Usually
21The tip of the index finger of the active pointing-hand (the index finger is extended from an otherwise closed hand), palm facing down and finger pointing diagonally forward and down, initially touches the lower part of the stationary forearm, palm facing down. Both hands are in front of the body at lower chest level. The active index finger then moves up the stationary forearm in a series of small hops.
22The act of repeating the same action multiple times (again and again).
23The active index finger represents something happening at more than one point along an imaginary timeline (represented by the stationary forearm). Again means to happen once more or that an action or event is repeated.
AGAINST

Synonyms: Blocked, Hamper (hinder), Hinder, Impede, Inhibit, Obstruct, Obstruction of Justice
24The active flat-hand (the hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palm facing in and fingers pointing to the side, initially is held about six inches to the side of the stationary flat-hand, palm facing to the side and fingers pointing forward. Both hands are in front of the body at lower chest level. The active hand then moves to the side until the tips of the fingers contact the stationary palm. The act of one hand striking against or coming into direct contact with the other hand.
25The active hand represents a moving object that is blocked or obstructed by a wall or other immobile object (represented by the stationary hand). Against means to come into contact with or be in opposition to something. To block or impede means to inhibit the forward movement or progress of someone or something. Obstruction of justice is a criminal charge in which a person corruptly inhibits or attempts to inhibit prosecutors or officials from carrying out their duties.
AIRPLANE

Synonyms: Aircraft, Flight, Fly (plane), Glider, Hang Gliding, Jet (passenger), Pilot, Plane, Soar, Wings (plane)
26Flat-hands (each hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palms facing down and fingers pointing out to opposite sides, initially are fully extended out to the sides of the body at shoulder level. One arm then tilts up slightly as the other arm tilts down slightly. The action is repeated by tilting to the opposite side.
27The act of an airplane adjusting its position as it flies.
28The body or torso represents the cabin or fuselage of an airplane and the arms represent the plane’s wings as the plane adjusts position and flies through the air. An airplane, plane, or aircraft is a vehicle for transporting people and/or cargo via flight. A pilot is a person who operates and flies aircraft.
AIRPORT

Synonyms: Air Base, Airfield, Airstrip, Landing Field, Landing Strip, Runway (airport), Tarmac (runway)
29The active horns-hand (the little finger and thumb are extended from an otherwise closed hand), palm facing down and knuckles pointing diagonally forward, initially is held in front of one shoulder, about a foot above and closer to the body than the stationary flat-hand (the hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palm facing up and fingers pointing diagonally forward to the opposite side. The stationary hand is in front of the body at lower chest level. The active hand then arcs down and forward, ending on the palm and fingers of the stationary hand. (This sign can also be made without the little finger of the active hand extended.)
30The act of a plane landing on a runway at an airport.
31The thumb and little finger of the active hand represent the wings of a plane and the rest of the hand represents the body (or fuselage) of the plane. Initially, the plane is in the air, but then it descends and lands on the flat surface of the ground or an airport runway (represented by the stationary hand). An airport is the location from which airplanes operate.
32The active pointing-hand (the index finger is extended from an otherwise closed hand), palm facing diagonally out and finger pointing up, initially is held a few inches to the side of the palm of the stationary spread- or 5-hand (the hand is flat with fingers spread apart and extended), palm facing to the side and fingers pointing up. Both hands are in front of the body at chest level. The index finger of the active hand then repeatedly arcs to the side to strike the lower half of the stationary palm.
33The act of striking the side of a metal alarm bell.
34The index finger of the active hand represents the tongue or clapper repeatedly striking the metal side of an old-fashioned alarm bell (represented by the stationary hand). An alarm is a device that emits a loud, repeated sound (or spoken message) that warns or alerts people of impending danger (e.g., fire, tornado, tsunami, or prisoner escape).
35The curved-hand (the fingers and thumb are together and curved), palm facing to the side and fingers pointing mostly forward, initially is held in front of one side of the body at chest level. The hand then arcs forward and to the other side, ending with the palm facing to the opposite side and fingers pointing mostly in.
36The act of using one’s arm to encircle everyone who is present.
37The active hand moves to include all of the people or everybody located in the immediate area. All means everyone or that no one is excluded or left out.
38The spread- or 5-hand (the hand is flat with fingers spread apart and extended), palm facing diagonally down and fingers pointing forward, initially is held in front of one side of the body at chest level. The fingers then wiggle.
39The act of using one’s fingers to manually spell out the letters of the alphabet.
40The letters of the written alphabet can be manually represented by various configurations of the hand and fingers. The movement of the fingers represents the consecutive production of individual letters of the alphabet when spelling (or fingerspelling) a word. An alphabet is a set of letters from which certain languages may be written.
41The tip of the index finger of the pointing-hand (the index finger is extended from an otherwise closed hand), palm facing diagonally in and finger pointing diagonally up, initially touches the temple (the side of the forehead). The hand then rotates so that the index finger points down as the hand moves straight down to below waist level.
42The act of one’s ability to think declining or going downhill.
43The initial position of the hand by the temple represents a person’s thought processes and the downward movement represents a decline in such thinking. Alzheimer’s disease or dementia is a condition in which a person’s ability to think clearly or to remember things deteriorates. A combination of the signs for Think and Down.
44The spread curved-hand (the fingers are spread apart and curved), palm facing out and fingers pointing mostly up, initially is held just above the head. The hand then twists so that the palm faces to the side. The action is repeated.
45The act of lights twirling on an ambulance.
46The hand represents the rotating or twirling light(s) on the roof of an ambulance or other emergency vehicle (represented by the body) that is responding to a call for help. An ambulance is a vehicle that is used to treat and safely transport injured or sick persons to a hospital. Fire trucks and police cars also have rotating or flashing lights on their roofs.
47The edge of the active flat-hand (the hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palm facing up and fingers pointing to the side, slides back and forth across the stationary arm just above the elbow. The stationary arm is extended downward. (To indicate the amputation of another limb, make the sign on the area to be severed. If that is not possible, make this sign and then point to the appropriate limb.)
48The act of cutting off or amputating part of a person’s arm.
49The active hand represents a scalpel or medical saw that is used to amputate or remove part of a patient’s stationary arm (or to sever another limb). To amputate means to sever or cut off a body part. A limb may be cut off or amputated if it is severely injured, diseased, or contains too much dead tissue or infection to be saved.
50The spread- or 5-hand (the hand is flat with fingers spread apart and extended), palm facing in and fingers pointing to the side, initially is held in front of the opposite side of the body at chest level. The hand then becomes a tapered- or O-hand (the fingers are together and curved, with the finger tips touching the thumb tip), palm facing to the side and knuckles pointing forward, as it moves to the other side of the body.
51Each finger represents one thing that is associated with and connected with the others.
52The fingers of the 5-hand initially represent separate strands or things that later come together to form one unit (represented by the O-hand). And is a conjunction (a grammatical part of speech that connects or joins words, sentences, clauses, or phrases). Also and too mean in addition to something else.
53The pointing-hand (the index finger is extended from an otherwise closed hand), palm facing down and finger pointing diagonally down and to the side, initially is held a short distance above one side of the head. The hand then makes a small horizontal circle over the head.
54The act of drawing a halo above an angel’s head.
55The index finger points to or indicates the circular shape of an angel’s halo. An angel is a heavenly being that many people believe protects or watches over the living. A halo is a ring of light above the head of an angel that represents the angel’s goodness and heavenly nature.
ANGRY

Synonyms: Anger, Belligerent, Cantankerous, Cross (angry), Enrage, Furious, Fury, Hostile, Irate, Mad, Outrage, Rage, Wrath
56The fist (the hand forms a fist), palm facing in and knuckles pointing up, initially is held in front of the side of the body at head level. The fist then shakes slightly. A frown or angry facial expression is appropriate.
57The act of clenching one’s fist and shaking it in anger.
58When a person is angry, irate, or mad, he or she may clench a fist and get ready to physically attack someone. Anger, fury, or rage is a feeling of strong displeasure about a situation or hostility toward another person or group.
59Spread curved-hands (the fingers are spread apart and curved), palms facing down and fingers pointing mostly forward, initially are held about six inches apart in front of the body at lower chest level. The hands then alternately arc forward and slightly down.
60The act of an animal’s paws moving forward.
61The hands represent the front paws of an animal and the fingers represent the animal’s toes and/or claws as the animal walks. Animals are creatures that exist in a variety of shapes, colors, and sizes. Many land-based animals have four legs — two in front and two in back. Paws are the padded feet of certain animals (such as felines, canines, and bears).
ANNOUNCEMENT

Synonyms: Advertise, Advertisement, Announce, Broadcast, Commercial (ad), Disclose (to the public), Inform, Make Public, Notify, Proclaim, Proclamation, Promulgate, Public, Publicity, Publicize, Spread News
62The tips of the index fingers of pointing-hands (the index fingers are extended from otherwise closed hands), palms facing each other and to opposite sides and fingers pointing up, initially touch the face near the corners of the mouth. The hands then arc forward and to opposite sides, rotating slightly so that the palms face out and fingers point diagonally up and out to opposite sides.
63The act of making an announcement or broadcasting news to the public.
64The index fingers represent a spoken announcement that is made to a large group of people (represented by the movement). The index fingers may also represent words that are widely disseminated or that spread to other locations (represented by the final position of the hands). An announcement is a public statement or declaration meant to provide others with news or important information.
65The tip of the index finger of the pointing-hand (the index finger is extended from an otherwise closed hand), palm facing to the side and finger pointing up, initially touches the face just below the mouth. The hand then arcs forward and down until the finger points forward.
66The act of providing an answer or response.
67The index finger represents an answer or reply coming out of one person’s mouth that is aimed in the direction of another person (represented by the final position) who has asked a question. To answer means to reply or say something in response to another person’s question.
68The palms of the hands, one facing diagonally out and down and the other facing diagonally in and up, strike each other repeatedly in front of the body at chest level. (Alternatively, this sign can be made with the palms facing each other and to opposite sides.)
69The act of applauding or clapping.
70When a person likes or enjoys a performance or something that has been said, he or she often expresses approval by applauding or clapping his or her hands together. To applaud means to show appreciation for someone or something by hitting the hands together (typically palm-to-palm) so that they make a clapping noise.
71The active baby O-hand (the index finger and thumb are curved and touch at their tips from an otherwise closed hand), palm facing down and knuckles pointing diagonally forward, initially is located a few inches to the side of the stationary hand, palm facing down. Both hands are in front of the body at lower chest level. The active hand then arcs up and to the side until the tips of its index finger and thumb touch the back of the stationary wrist.
72The act of choosing a specific time for an appointment or reservation.
73The active hand selectively picks a time (represented by the final position, a common location to wear a watch) and a date on a calendar (represented by the stationary hand) to make a reservation or appointment. An appointment is a scheduled meeting. A reservation is the setting aside of something for a particular use at a specific time in the future. A combination of the signs for Choose and Time.
74The edges of the tips of the index fingers and thumbs of baby O-hands (the index fingers and thumbs are curved and touch at their tips from otherwise closed hands), palms facing down and knuckles pointing forward, initially touch just in front of the body near waist level. The hands then separate and move to opposite sides and behind the back.
75The act of tying the strings of an apron behind one’s back.
76The fingers grasp the strings on an apron and then tie them behind a person’s back near waist level. An apron is a cloth garment that is often worn over the front of a person’s clothes while he or she is cleaning or cooking. Aprons help to protect a person’s clothes from getting dirty.
ARGUE

Synonyms: Argument, Argumentative, Conflict (quarrel), Contentious, Controversial, Debate, Disagreement (argument), Discord, Dispute, Dissension (discord), Divisive, Quarrel, Spat (argument), Squabble, Strife
77Pointing-hands (the index fingers are extended from otherwise closed hands), palms facing diagonally in and fingers pointing to opposite sides, initially are held about a foot apart in front of the body with one hand at shoulder level and the other hand at lower chest level. The lower hand then arcs up as the upper hand arcs down. This alternating action is repeated rapidly several times. A frown or angry facial expression is appropriate.
78The act of two people wagging their fingers at each other during an argument.
79When two people are involved in an argument or dispute, they may point their fingers at each other and try to blame the other person for what has happened. An argument is a dispute, disagreement, or quarrel about someone or something. A debate typically is a discussion of the merits and failings of a policy, proposal, or position on an issue. Debates between political opponents are often held before a scheduled election.
80The tip of the index finger of the active pointing-hand (the index finger is extended from an otherwise closed hand), palm facing down and finger pointing diagonally forward, touches and then bends down the tip of the little finger of the stationary spread- or 5-hand (the hand is flat with fingers spread apart and extended), palm facing in and fingers pointing diagonally up to the opposite side. Both hands are in front of the body at chest level. The action is then repeated on the tip of the stationary ring finger.
81The act of using one’s fingers to count or do arithmetic.
82When a person is doing math, he or she may use his or her fingers to keep track of the result. Arithmetic is the branch of mathematics that involves such basic functions as the addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of numbers. Math is a discipline involving the use of numbers and equations to quantify and describe aspects of the world.
83The index finger of the active pointing-hand (the index finger is extended from an otherwise closed hand), palm facing down and finger pointing diagonally forward and down, points to the middle of the stationary forearm, palm facing diagonally down. The stationary forearm is partially extended in front of the body below chest level.
84The act of showing the location of one’s arm.
85The active index finger points to or indicates the location of a person’s stationary arm or forearm. Arms are the upper appendages or limbs of a human or primate; arms extend from the shoulders to the hands. The forearm is the part of the arm that extends from the elbow to the hand.
86The active pointing-hand (the index finger is extended from an otherwise closed hand), palm and finger pointing down and knuckles pointing to the side, initially is held a few inches away from the top of the stationary flat-hand (the hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palm facing to the side and fingers pointing up. Both hands are in front of the body near upper chest level. The active hand then circles horizontally around the top of the stationary hand.
87The act of fully encircling or going around an object.
88The active index finger represents a path around a central object (represented by the stationary hand). Around refers to the area surrounding, encompassing, encircling, or on all sides of an object. A merry-go-round is a playground device that rotates around a central point. A carousel is a similar, but larger, machine that allows individuals to ride on play horses and animals as the riding platform spins around a central hub.
ARREST

Synonyms: Apprehend (arrest), Cuffs, Handcuffs, Manacles, Shackles, Suspect (criminal), Take Into Custody
89The active C-hand (the fingers are together and curved, with the thumb opposite the fingers), palm facing diagonally down and fingers pointing mostly diagonally forward, initially is held several inches above the stationary hand, palm facing down. Both hands are in front of the body at chest level. The active hand then arcs down and grabs the back of the stationary wrist.
90The act of arresting and putting handcuffs on someone.
91The active hand represents handcuffs or shackles that are put on the wrists of a person who has been arrested (represented by the stationary arm). To arrest means to take a person suspected of a crime into legal custody. Handcuffs are connected metal bracelets used to restrain a suspected criminal’s hands and prevent that person from harming others while in police custody.
92The active pointing-hand (the index finger is extended from an otherwise closed hand), palm facing to the side and finger pointing up, initially is held about six inches to the side of the stationary flat-hand (the hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palm facing to the opposite side and fingers pointing forward. Both hands are in front of the body at chest level. The active hand then moves to contact the stationary palm. (To indicate the meanings Depart, Departure, Evacuate, Exit, Flee, or Leave, reverse the action of the sign.)
93The act of a person arriving at a specific location.
94The active index finger represents a person, animal, or object arriving at a certain location (represented by the stationary hand). To arrive means to reach one’s destination or get to a specific location. To attend means to go to a meeting or be present at an event.
95The edge of the tip of the index finger of the active pointing-hand (the index finger is extended from an otherwise closed hand), palm facing out and finger pointing up, initially touches the edge of the index finger of the stationary flat-hand (the hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palm facing down and fingers pointing forward. Both hands are in front of the body at chest level. The active hand then moves straight up about six inches.
96The act of a rocket or missile ascending or being launched into the air.
97The index finger of the active hand represents a rocket as it lifts off from the ground or a launch pad (represented by the stationary hand) and ascends into the sky (represented by the final position). To ascend means to go up or rise to a higher point or level. A rocket is a fuel-powered device typically used to propel and launch satellites, shuttles, and cargo into space. A missile is a fuel-powered, explosive projectile used as a weapon.
98The active spread- or 5-hand (the hand is flat with fingers spread apart and extended), palm facing down and fingers pointing diagonally forward, initially is held just below the stationary bent-hand (the fingers are together and extended at a right angle with respect to the palm), palm and fingers pointing diagonally down to the opposite side and knuckles pointing up. Both hands are in front of the body at upper chest level. The lower, active hand then circles horizontally below the upper, stationary hand.
99The act of showing the area of an attic below the roof of a house.
100The active hand represents and shows the location of an attic below the peaked roof of a house (represented by the stationary hand). An attic is the floor, space, or area that is positioned just below the roof of a house or building. Attics often are used for storage. This sign may also be used to refer to the top floor of a house or building.
101The tips of the index fingers and thumbs of baby O-hands (the index fingers and thumbs are curved and touch at their tips from otherwise closed hands), palms facing each other and to opposite sides and knuckles pointing up, initially are held near the outer corners of the eyes. The fingers and thumbs then move apart.
102The act of opening one’s eyes or waking up.
103The index fingers and thumbs represent a person’s upper and lower eyelids. Initially, the eyelids are together or closed (representing that the person is asleep) but then the eyelids separate as the eyes open (representing that the person is now awake). To be awake means that a person is conscious and aware of his or her surroundings.
BABY

Synonyms: Babyhood, Cradle, Crèche, Crib (baby), Infancy, Infant, Neonatal, Neonate, Newborn, Rock (a baby)
104One forearm initially rests on top of the other forearm, palms facing up and fingers pointing to opposite sides. Both forearms are in front of the body at lower chest level. The arms then swing gently from side to side.
105The act of cradling and rocking a baby in one’s arms.
106This sign represents a person holding a baby in his or her arms and comforting or rocking the baby to sleep. A baby is an infant or very young child. The forearms may also represent the bottom of a cradle and the gentle movement represents the rocking of that cradle. A cradle is a small bed or basket for holding a baby and rocking it to sleep.
BACK

Synonyms: Backbone, Cervical Spine, Chiropractics, Spinal Column, Spine, Vertebra, Vertebral Column
107The tip of the index finger of the pointing-hand (the index finger is extended from an otherwise closed hand), palm and finger pointing down and knuckles pointing to the side, reaches over the shoulder (on the same side of the body) and touches the upper back. (To indicate the meanings Backbone, Cervical Spine, Chiropractics, Spinal Column, Spine, Vertebra, or Vertebral Column, the tip of the index finger of the pointing-hand, palm facing forward and finger pointing diagonally down, slides up and down the back of the neck.) The act of showing the location of one’s back.
108The index finger points to or indicates the location of a person’s upper back. The back of a person is the rear side of the body. The spine or backbone is a series of interconnected bones (vertebrae) running from the base of the skull down the center of a person’s back to the tailbone. The spine protects the spinal cord (part of the central nervous system).
109The palm of the spread- or 5-hand (the hand is flat with fingers spread apart and extended), palm facing to the side and slightly forward and fingers pointing down, initially touches the side of the lower back. The body should lean forward slightly. The hand then slides a short distance up and down. The action is repeated a couple of times. A frown or pained facial expression is appropriate. The act of feeling or rubbing one’s aching back.
110A person may rub his or her back in an attempt to relieve aches or painful spasms. The pained facial expression and the placement of the hand indicate that the lower back is the source of discomfort. A backache is a pain in a person’s back, especially the lower back.
111Fists (each hand forms a fist), palms facing in and knuckles pointing at each other and to opposite sides, initially are held on the chest under each shoulder. The arms and elbows then rock back and forth slightly a few times.
112The act of holding the straps on a backpack while on a hike.
113The hands grasp and hold on to the front straps of a backpack. A backpack is a sack carried on a person’s back and secured by straps over and below the shoulders. Backpacks are often made of canvas or nylon and are used by students to carry books and school supplies. Backpacks also are commonly used to carry food, water, and other provisions while hiking and camping.
BAD

Synonyms: Defective, Detrimental, Downside, Inadequate, Lose (game), Negative (bad), No Good, Poor Quality, Unfavorable, Unsatisfactory
114The fist (the hand forms a fist), palm facing out and knuckles pointing to the side with the thumb extended and pointing down, initially is held in front of the body at chest level. The fist then moves down slightly. A frown or unhappy facial expression is appropriate.
115The act of giving someone or something one thumb down for a bad job.
116A thumb pointing down often conveys disapproval or that something is bad. Bad means defective, inadequate, being of low or poor quality, or having a negative, unfavorable, or unsatisfactory result. This sign may also be used to refer to losing a game or contest.
117Flat-hands (each hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palms facing down and fingers pointing forward, initially are held about a foot apart in front of the body near waist level. One hand then moves down a few inches as the other hand moves up a few inches. If possible, one should lean slightly to the side with the downward movement of each hand (lean right when the right hand moves down; lean left when the left hand moves down).
118The act of one’s balance shifting from one side to the other.
119The hands represent a person’s feet as that person tries to gain his or her balance or equilibrium. Balance refers to a person’s ability to maintain poise and control over the positioning of his or her body. The hands may also represent the metaphorical scales of justice involved in weighing evidence. Scales are two matched plates that are suspended from each side of a center beam. Scales are used to measure and compare the weights of items placed on those plates.
120The tips of the fingers and thumbs of spread curved-hands (the fingers are spread apart and curved), palms facing each other and to opposite sides and fingers pointing mostly forward, touch as the hands are held in front of the body at chest level. (Alternatively, the fingers can point mostly up.)
121The act of showing the round shape of a ball.
122The fingers and hands represent the rounded outer edge of a ball. A ball is a spherical or round object that is often thrown, rolled, hit, or kicked in games. Examples of balls include baseballs, softballs, soccer balls, basketballs, tennis balls, and ping pong balls.
123The edges of the index finger and thumb of the curved-hand (the fingers and thumb are together and curved), palm facing down and fingers pointing mostly to the side, rest against the top of the forehead.
124The hand resembles the brim of a ball cap.
125The hand and fingers represent the front extension or brim of a cap or visor. A ball cap is a covering for the crown of the head that has a brim projecting forward to help shield the face and eyes from the sun. A visor is a brim that connects to the head by means of an encircling strap.
126The edges of the index finger and thumb of the tapered- or O-hand (the fingers are together and curved, with the finger tips touching the thumb tip), palm facing to the side and knuckles pointing up, initially touch the lips. The hand then moves a short distance to the side and slightly forward as it slowly opens into the spread curved-hand (the fingers are spread apart and curved), palm facing to the side and fingers pointing mostly up. Puckering the lips and blowing air are appropriate.
127The act of blowing up a balloon.
128The hand represents a balloon. Initially, the balloon is flat or deflated (represented by the O-hand) but then it expands as a person blows air into it (represented by the spread curved-hand). A balloon is an inflatable rubber bag that may float in the air. Balloons are often used as decorations at birthday parties and other celebrations.
129The tips of the index finger and thumb of the active baby O-hand (the index finger and thumb are curved and touch at their tips from an otherwise closed hand), palm facing to the side and knuckles pointing up, initially touch the tip of the index finger of the stationary pointing-hand (the index finger is extended from an otherwise closed hand), palm facing to the opposite side and finger pointing up. Both hands are in front of the body at upper chest level. The baby O-hand then arcs down and back toward the signer. The action is repeated with the baby O-hand ending slightly to the side of its previous position.
130The act of peeling a banana.
131The active hand grasps and removes the skin or peel of a banana (represented by the stationary index finger). A banana is a fruit, long and slender in shape, that is enclosed in a yellowish covering or rind. A plantain is a type of banana that is usually fried or baked before eating.
132The index and middle fingers of the active H-hand (the index and middle fingers are together and extended from an otherwise closed hand), palm facing down and fingers pointing diagonally forward and down, initially touch the back of the stationary hand, palm facing down and fingers pointing diagonally forward to the opposite side. Both hands are in front of the body at lower chest level. The active hand then slides across the back of the stationary hand.
133The act of putting a band-aid over a small cut.
134The index and middle fingers of the active hand represent a rectangular band-aid as it is applied over a small cut or injury on the back of a person’s stationary hand. A band-aid is a relatively small strip of sterile material that is put over cuts or wounds to stop bleeding and prevent contamination.
BANK

Synonyms: Deposit, Invest, Safe (money), Safety Deposit Box, Stow Away
Antonyms: ATM, Withdraw (money), Withdrawal (money)
135The active tapered- or O-hand (the fingers are together and curved, with the finger tips touching the thumb tip), palm facing diagonally out and knuckles pointing up, initially is held several inches behind and slightly above the stationary C-hand (the fingers are together and curved, with the thumb opposite the fingers), palm facing diagonally out to the opposite side and fingers pointing mostly up. Both hands are in front of the body at chest level. The active hand then moves diagonally forward and down until it is between the fingers and thumb of the stationary hand. (To indicate the meanings ATM, Withdraw (money), or Withdrawal (money), reverse the action of the sign.)
136The act of putting money into a bank.
137The active hand represents money or a check as it is deposited or placed into a safe in a bank (represented by the stationary hand). A bank is an institution for the borrowing, lending, and safekeeping of money. A deposit is money or funds added to one’s bank account.
138C-hands (the fingers are together and curved, with the thumbs opposite the fingers), palms facing down and fingers pointing mostly diagonally down and out to opposite sides, initially are held in front of and to the sides of the body below chest level. The hands then move down slightly. (To indicate a single bar or railing, use only one hand. To indicate the meanings Bedside Commode or Commode, make the sign at waist level.)
139The act of grasping support bars or railings as one walks.
140The hands grasp imaginary bars or railings to help a person steady his or her balance while walking or standing. Bars typically are wooden or metal railings that may be grasped for support. A banister is a handrail on one or both sides of a staircase that a person may grasp as he or she goes up and down steps in a building or house. Some bedside commodes (portable toilets) have support bars to assist a patient while sitting and standing.
141One fist (the hand forms a fist), palm facing to the side and knuckles pointing forward, rests on top of the other fist, palm facing back and knuckles pointing out to the side. Initially, the fists are held in front of one shoulder. The hands then swing forward and to the opposite side until the arms are almost fully extended and pointing diagonally forward.
142The act of swinging a baseball bat.
143The hands grasp the handle of an imaginary baseball bat (a long, wooden or metal rod used to hit baseballs) and then the arms swing forward in an attempt to hit a thrown ball. Baseball and softball are games in which players use a bat to hit a ball before running toward set points on a field (bases).
144The active spread- or 5-hand (the hand is flat with fingers spread apart and extended), palm facing down and fingers pointing diagonally forward, initially is held about a foot below the stationary bent-hand (the fingers are together and extended at a right angle with respect to the palm), palm and fingers pointing diagonally down and to the opposite side and knuckles pointing up. The stationary hand is in front of the body at upper chest level. The lower, active hand then circles horizontally below the upper, stationary hand.
145The act of showing the area of a basement far below the roof of a house.
146The active hand represents and shows the location of a basement or cellar far below the peaked roof of a house (represented by the stationary hand). A basement is the lowest floor, space, or area of a building, typically located partially or fully underground.
147The fingers of the upper C-hand (the fingers are together and curved, with the thumb opposite the fingers), palm and fingers pointing to the side and knuckles pointing down, rest on top of the fingers of the lower C-hand, palm and fingers pointing to the opposite side and knuckles pointing down. The tips of the thumbs also touch and are held above the palms. Both hands are in front of the body near waist level. (This sign can also be made by interlocking the fingers. To indicate the meanings Enmeshed, Interwoven, or Thatched, rotate that sign so that the bottoms of the interlocked fingers face forward.)
148The hands resemble the general shape of a basket.
149The thumbs represent the handle on a basket and the hands and fingers represent the sides and bottom of the basket. A basket is a container that is made of interwoven materials. A basket often has one or two handles that allow a person to safely carry it around.
150Spread curved-hands (the fingers are spread apart and curved), palms facing out and slightly up and fingers pointing mostly up, initially are held just in front of the body at upper chest or chin level. The hands then arc up and forward.
151The act of passing a basketball to another person.
152The hands initially lightly grasp a basketball and then pass it to another person or throw it toward a hoop. Basketball is a game played on a court by two teams of players who try to toss an inflated ball through an elevated hoop (called a basket) at each end of the court.
153The flat-hand (the hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palm facing in and fingers pointing to the side, initially rests on one side of the body at upper chest level. The hand then moves up and down slightly as it slides across the chest.
154The act of cleaning oneself by taking a bath.
155The hand represents a washcloth or sponge used by a person to bathe or wash his or her chest. A bath involves the cleaning of a person’s body, usually with water and some type of soap.
156The tips of the index finger and thumb of the active baby O-hand (the index finger and thumb are curved and touch at their tips from an otherwise closed hand), palm facing down and knuckles pointing diagonally forward, initially touch the tip of the thumb of the stationary fist (the hand forms a fist), palm facing in and knuckles pointing diagonally forward to the opposite side with the thumb partially extended and pointing up. Both hands are in front of the body at chest level. The active hand then opens quickly into an L-hand (the index finger and thumb are extended from an otherwise closed hand and form a right angle), palm facing down and index finger pointing diagonally forward with the thumb pointing to the side. This action is repeated.
157The act of sparks flying from a battery terminal.
158The index finger and thumb of the active hand represent sparks flying from a vehicle battery terminal or connection point (represented by the stationary thumb). A battery is a source of electric current. Batteries come in various sizes and may be used to power the electronics in vehicles, handheld devices, flashlights, and radios.
159Claw-hands (the fingers are spread apart and bent), palms facing in and knuckles pointing diagonally up to opposite sides, initially are crisscrossed over the chest. The hands then make small scratching movements on the shoulders. An accompanying growl or scowl is appropriate.
160The act of getting a bear hug.
161The fingers represent a bear’s claws as they scratch an object or vertical surface such as a tree (represented by the person’s body). A bear is a large, ursine mammal with thick fur (often black, brown, or white) and big claws. A bear hug is a tight embrace.
162The C-hand (the fingers are together and curved, with the thumb opposite the fingers), palm facing in and slightly up and fingers pointing mostly to the side, initially cups the chin with the fingers on one side and the thumb on the other. The fingers and thumb then slide down the sides of the chin until they touch and close into a tapered-or O-hand (the fingers are together and curved, with the finger tips touching the thumb tip), palm facing in and slightly up and knuckles pointing diagonally up.
163The act of stroking the whiskers of one’s beard.
164The fingers and thumb feel the whiskers of a beard on a man’s chin. A beard is the hair that grows on a man’s face, especially around the chin and lower jaw. Whiskers are the individual hairs in a person’s beard.
165The flat-hand (the hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palm facing in and fingers pointing diagonally up, initially is held just in front of and to the side of the face. The hand then circles around the edge of the face. A smile or happy facial expression is appropriate.
166The act of showing off or being thankful for one’s beautiful face.
167A person may show off a beautiful or attractive face by circling or framing it with his or her hand. Something that is beautiful or lovely is very attractive, pretty, or extremely pleasing to look at. Handsome and good-looking are words generally used to describe attractive men.
168The head tilts to the side as it rests on the palm of the flat-hand (the hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palm facing to the side and fingers pointing diagonally up and out to the side. (Alternatively, this sign can be made with two hands, palms touching, with the head resting on the back of the upper hand.)
169The act of resting one’s head while lying in bed.
170The hand represents the upper portion of a bed on which one is resting. A bed is a piece of furniture on which a person may lie down and sleep.
171The curved-hand (the fingers and thumb are together and curved), palm facing up and fingers pointing mostly forward, initially is held just behind and to the side of one buttock. The hand then moves about nine inches diagonally forward and slightly up, ending with the fingers pointing mostly diagonally forward and out to the side.
172The act of removing a bedpan from beneath a person’s buttocks.
173The active hand represents a bedpan that initially is positioned underneath a person’s buttocks but is then removed. A bedpan is a shallow vessel or receptacle in which a bed-ridden person or patient may urinate or defecate.
BEFORE

Synonyms: Early, Opening Remarks, Preceding, Preface, Premature, Pre- (prefix), Previous, Prior To, Sooner
174Flat-hands (each hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palms facing in and fingers pointing to opposite sides, are held in front of the body at chest level. The fingers of the back, active hand initially touch the fingers of the front, stationary hand. The active hand then moves about six inches straight back toward the body.
175The act of showing an earlier time frame.
176The stationary hand represents the present time frame and the active hand shows an earlier, preceding, or previous time frame — the time prior to or before the present. Before means earlier in time, sooner, prior to the present time, or in advance of something.
177The curved-hand (the fingers and thumb are together and curved), palm facing up and fingers pointing mostly forward, initially is held in front of and to the side of the body at lower chest level. The hand then slowly swings inward until it touches the body, ending with the fingers pointing mostly to the side.
178The act of holding out one’s hand to beg for money.
179The hand represents a pan or collection plate that a person holds out or passes around to beg for charity or to request money or alms. To beg means to solicit or earnestly ask for charity or assistance for the needy.
180Spread- or 5-hands (each hand is flat with fingers spread apart and extended), palms facing out and fingers pointing up, initially are held in front of the body at chest level. The active hand, located about six inches behind the stationary hand, then moves slightly from side to side.
181The act of showing the area behind someone.
182The active hand represents an object, group of people, or area that is positioned behind or in back of another object, group of people, or area (represented by the stationary hand). Behind means in back of or toward the rear. Aft is a nautical term designating the direction toward the back, rear, or stern of a vessel (when a person is on that vessel).
183The tapered- or O-hand (the fingers are together and curved, with the finger tips touching the thumb tip), palm facing down and knuckles pointing forward, initially is held in front of the body near lower chest level. The hand then rotates vigorously from side to side several times.
184The act of ringing a bell to summon someone.
185The hand holds a small, imaginary bell and causes it to ring by moving it back and forth. A bell typically is a hollow metallic device that emits a ringing sound when struck or when the clapper inside hits the sides of the bell. Bells or chimes may be used to get a person’s attention, to summon someone, to denote the passage of time (in certain clocks), and for musical enjoyment.
186The active spread- or 5-hand (the hand is flat with fingers spread apart and extended), palm facing down and fingers pointing to the side, initially is held about six inches below the stationary spread-or 5-hand, palm facing down and fingers pointing to the opposite side. Both hands are in front of the body at chest level. The lower, active hand then circles horizontally below the upper, stationary hand.
187The act of showing the area below or under the upper hand.
188The active hand represents one space, area, or location that is positioned at a lower level than another space, area, or location (represented by the stationary hand). Below means that something is under something else or is in a lower place or on a lower floor. This sign may also be used to indicate an area that is located underground or beneath the surface of a body of water (represented by the stationary forearm).
189The tips of the index fingers and thumbs of G-hands (the index fingers and thumbs are extended from otherwise closed hands and are parallel), palms and fingers pointing at each other and to opposite sides and knuckles pointing down, initially touch the sides of the waist. The hands then slide toward each other until the tips of the fingers touch in front of the body.
190The act of putting on a belt.
191The distance between the index fingers and thumbs represents the approximate width of a belt as it is put around a person’s waist. A belt is a band or strap that is worn around a person’s waist and is often used to hold up a person’s pants.
192The tips of the thumbs of fists (each hand forms a fist), palms facing out and knuckles pointing up with the thumbs extended and pointing at each other and to opposite sides, initially touch in front of the body at chest level. The fists then slowly arc a short distance forward and down, ending with the palms facing diagonally down and out to opposite sides and knuckles pointing mostly forward.
193The act of bending an object.
194The hands grasp and then bend or flex an imaginary rod or object. To bend means to make something curved by applying pressure or force to it. Something that is bent has been changed from its typical shape into a different, often nonlinear, shape or form.
BERRIES

Synonyms: Blackberries, Blueberries, Cranberries, Currants, Gooseberries, Kiwi (fruit), Raspberries, Strawberries
195The tips of the fingers and thumb of the active tapered- or O-hand (the fingers are together and curved, with the finger tips touching the thumb tip), palm facing diagonally out and knuckles pointing up, initially touch the tip of a finger on the stationary claw-hand (the fingers are spread apart and bent), palm facing diagonally in and knuckles pointing up. Both hands are in front of the body at shoulder level. The active hand then moves to touch the mouth, rotating so that the palm faces in and knuckles point diagonally up. The action is repeated on one or more stationary fingers. Opening the mouth is appropriate.
196The act of picking berries from a bush or vine.
197The active hand picks berries (represented by the tips of the fingers of the stationary hand) from a vine or bush (represented by the stationary hand) and then brings the berries to a person’s mouth to be eaten. A berry is a small, edible fruit that typically grows on a vine, small plant, or bush. Examples of berries include blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries.
198The fist (the hand forms a fist), palm facing down and thumb extended and pointing to the side, initially is held in front of the body at chest level. The fist then slowly rotates until the palm faces to the side and the thumb points up. A smile or happy facial expression is appropriate. (To indicate the meanings Deteriorate, Get Worse, or Worse, the fist, palm facing down and thumb extended and pointing to the side, slowly rotates until the palm faces out to the side and the thumb points down. A frown or unhappy facial expression is appropriate.)
199The thumb moves from the neutral position to thumb pointing up, signaling an improvement or a better situation.
200When the thumb points to the side, a neutral position or situation is indicated. When the thumb moves to point up, a better or more positive situation is indicated. Better means to improve, ameliorate, or to make greater in some quality.
201The lower edge of the active flat-hand (the hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palm facing to the side and fingers pointing diagonally forward and slightly up, initially rests on the bases of the index finger and extended thumb of the stationary flat-hand, palm facing in and fingers pointing diagonally up. Both hands are in front of the body at chest level. The active hand then slides from side to side between the stationary index finger and thumb.
202The act of showing the area between the stationary thumb and index finger.
203The active hand shows or moves around in the area between the stationary thumb and index finger. Between means in the location or space that separates two things. Between may also refer to a period, span, or stretch of time that separates two moments in time.
204The edges of the little fingers of flat-hands (each hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palms facing up and fingers pointing forward, initially touch in front of the body at upper chest level. The hands then arc up until they are above the head with the palms facing in and fingers pointing up.
205The act of raising a holy book to the heavens.
206The hands represent the pages of an open book that is raised on high in an act of reverence. The Bible is a holy book that contains the sacred writings of the Christian faith. The Torah typically refers to the first five books of the Hebrew Bible or scriptures (known as the Tanakh, the core text of Judaism). The Koran (or Quran) is the central religious text of Islam, the Muslim faith.
207Fists (each hand forms a fist), palms facing down and knuckles pointing forward, initially are held a few inches apart in front of the body at chest level. The fists then make several vertical circles. The hands are offset so that one fist arcs forward and down as the other arcs back and up.
208The act of pedaling a bike.
209The fists represent a person’s feet as they move the pedals of a bicycle. A bicycle or bike is a two-wheeled vehicle that is propelled by pedals that are moved by a person’s feet. A tricycle is a three-wheeled vehicle (one wheel in front, two in back) often used by young children because it is more stable than a bicycle.
BIG

Synonyms: Amount (large), Colossal, Enormous, Gargantuan, Gigantic, Huge, Immense, Large, Lots, Major (big), Majority, Massive, Most, Much, Oversized, Too Much, Vast, Very
210Spread- or 5-hands (each hand is flat with fingers spread apart and extended), palms facing each other and to opposite sides and fingers pointing forward, initially are held about a foot apart in front of the body at chest level. The hands then move away from each other in a gentle arc until they are about three feet apart.
211The act of showing the size of a big or large object.
212The hands initially represent the outer edges of a standard-sized object but then move apart to show that a different object is much bigger or more massive in comparison. The greater the distance between the hands, the larger the object. Big means large, huge, enormous, above average in size, or to a great extent.
BILL (INVOICE)

Synonyms: Amount Due, Cost, Debt, Fee, Fine (fee), Invoice, Owe, Price, Taxes, Total (bill)
213The active tapered- or O-hand (the fingers are together and curved, with the finger tips touching the thumb tip), palm facing down and knuckles pointing forward, initially is held a few inches above the stationary flat-hand (the hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palm facing up and fingers pointing diagonally forward. Both hands are in front of the body at chest level. The active hand then moves down until the tips of the fingers and thumb touch the stationary palm.
214The act of putting money down to pay a bill.
215The active hand represents money that is owed or needs to be put into the hand of another person (represented by the stationary hand). The active hand may also indicate the total cost, price, or amount due on a bill or invoice (represented by the stationary hand). A bill is the amount owed for products or services that must be paid to another person or a company.
216Flat-hands (each hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palms facing down and fingers pointing out to opposite sides, initially are held out to the sides of the body at chest level with the arms bent at the elbows. The forearms and hands then move up and down together in small flapping movements.
217The act of a bird flapping its wings and flying.
218The arms and hands represent the wings of a bird as they flap up and down while the bird is flying. A bird is a feathered, egg-laying animal with wings. Most birds are able to use their wings to fly or soar in the air.
BIRTH

Synonyms: Born, Childbirth, Date of Birth, Delivery (baby), Give Birth, Labor (birth), Nativity, Parturition
219The flat-hand (the hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palm facing in and fingers pointing to the side, initially rests on the belly. The hand then slides down the abdomen and then forward, ending with the palm facing down and fingers pointing diagonally forward in front of the body below waist level.
220The act of a baby being born.
221The hand represents a baby that is originally inside its mother’s womb (represented by the initial position) but then moves through and out of the mother’s birth canal to be born (represented by the final position). A birth is the bringing forth of a new life into the world. Labor is the process of giving birth.
222Spread- or 5-hands (each hand is flat with fingers spread apart and extended), palms facing in and fingers pointing up, initially are held in front of the chin with the edges of the tips of the pinkies touching. As the signer blows air over them, the hands then close into fists (each hand forms a fist), palms facing in and knuckles pointing up.
223The act of blowing out the candles on a birthday cake.
224The fingers represent candles on a birthday cake (represented by the rest of the hands). Initially, the fingers are extended (indicating that the candles are lit) but then they close as the candles are blown out. One’s birthday is the day on which one was born. The anniversary of that event is often celebrated with a cake decorated with the same number of candles as that person’s age in years.
225The mouth, with teeth bared and showing, opens wide and then closes. The action may be repeated.
226The act of biting down with one’s teeth.
227When biting, a person opens his or her mouth and then closes his or her teeth around something. To bite means to grip, seize, or tear something using one’s teeth.
228The tip of the index finger of the pointing-hand (the index finger is extended from an otherwise closed hand), palm facing down and finger pointing to the side, grazes one eyebrow as it moves to the side of the brow or forehead.
229The act of showing the blackness of an eyebrow.
230The index finger points to or indicates the darkness or blackness of one of a person’s eyebrows. Many people have dark eyebrows. Black is very dark, as it has neither brightness nor color.
BLACKBOARD

Synonyms: Board (writing), Canvas, Chalkboard, Movie Screen, Projection Screen, Whiteboard
231The flat-hand (the hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palm facing diagonally out and fingers pointing up, initially is held in front of the opposite side of the body near chin level. The hand then moves to the other side.
232The act of feeling the smooth surface of a blackboard or screen.
233The hand represents the flat surface of a blackboard or projection screen. A blackboard is a large, dark, flat surface that is often written upon with chalk in classrooms. A whiteboard is a white, slick surface that is often written upon with erasable markers. A movie screen or projection screen is a light-colored surface onto which images are projected.
234Fists (each hand forms a fist), palms facing down and knuckles pointing forward, initially are held about a foot apart just in front of the body above waist level. The fists then move up to chest level. The act of covering oneself with a blanket.
235The hands grasp the top edge of an imaginary blanket or quilt and then pull it up to cover a person’s body. A blanket is a large piece of fabric that serves as a covering for a person while he or she is in bed. Blankets, quilts, and bedspreads are often used to keep a person’s body warm.
236Flat-hands (each hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palms facing in and fingers pointing at each other and to opposite sides, cover the eyes.
237The act of blocking the eyes or being unable to see.
238The hands represent a blindfold or fabric mask that is used to cover a person’s eyes so that he or she is blind or cannot see his or her surroundings. Being blind means being unable to see or having impaired or very limited vision.
BLINDS (WINDOW)

Synonyms: Close the Blinds, Louver, Slats (blinds), Venetian Blinds
Antonym: Open the Blinds
239Flat-hands (each hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palms facing down and fingers pointing to opposite sides, initially are held in front of the body at chest level with the wrist of one hand a few inches above the wrist of the other hand. The forearms and hands then rotate until the palms face in. The upper forearm and hand should rest on top of the lower forearm and hand. (This sign also means Close the Blinds. To indicate the meaning Open the Blinds, reverse the action of the sign. That is, the forearms and hands initially are palms in and then rotate until the palms face down.)
240The act of closing the blinds on a window.
241The forearms represent the slats on Venetian blinds. Initially, the slats are seen edge-on, indicating that the blinds are open. The forearms are then rotated to indicate that the blinds are closed. Window blinds are a flexible screen for windows that can be opened or closed to control the amount of sunlight that comes into a room (or for privacy).
242Fists (each hand forms a fist), palms facing in and knuckles pointing to opposite sides, initially are held one on top of the other in front of the body at lower chest level. The lower fist then arcs up until it is on top of the other fist. The action is repeated as the fists alternately move upward.
243The act of stacking blocks on top of each other.
244Each fist represents a block that is placed on top of another block. A block is a solid piece of material, such as wood, metal, stone, or plastic, that is often used in building structures. Many children also play with toy blocks.
245The active spread- or 5-hand (the hand is flat with fingers spread apart and extended), palm facing down and fingers pointing diagonally forward, initially touches the crook of the stationary arm, palm facing up. Both hands are in front of the body above waist level. The active hand then slides down the stationary forearm to the wrist.
246The act of blood running down one’s forearm.
247The fingers of the active hand represent streams of blood running down a person’s stationary forearm from a large cut. Blood is a fluid that circulates through a person’s or animal’s arteries, veins, and capillaries. Blood transports oxygen, minerals, and other important substances to organs throughout the body. To bleed means to hemorrhage or lose blood from the body, often from a cut or injury. Losing too much blood may put a person’s life in danger.
248The active C-hand (the fingers are together and curved, with the thumb opposite the fingers), palm facing in and fingers pointing mostly to the side, initially grasps the upper part of the stationary arm. The active hand then slowly moves forward a few inches.
249The act of inflating a blood pressure cuff.
250The active hand represents the cuff on a blood pressure device (or sphygmomanometer) as it is inflated around a person’s stationary arm. Blood pressure is the force that flowing blood exerts on the walls of the arteries. Blood pressure is an indicator of a person’s health and is measured by putting and inflating a cuff on a person’s arm.
BOAT

Synonyms: Boating (sport), Bow (of a ship), Cruise, Nautical, Naval Vessel, Navy, Prow, Ship, Vessel (boat), Voyage
251The tips of the fingers of flat-hands (each hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palms facing each other and to opposite sides and fingers pointing diagonally forward to opposite sides, initially touch in front of the body at lower chest level. The hands then move forward about six inches.
252The act of a boat moving through water.
253The fingers and hands represent the bow, prow, or front of a ship or boat as it moves through water. A boat is a vessel, typically powered by an engine, that is designed for travel through water. The bow is the forward part of a ship’s hull. The navy is the branch of a country’s armed forces that is responsible for waterborne military vessels and marine operations.
254Flat-hands (each hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palms facing each other and to opposite sides and fingers pointing forward, initially are held about a foot apart in front of the body at upper chest level. The hands then move down to waist level, swerving toward and then away from each other.
255The act of tracing the contours of a person’s body.
256The hands follow the general shape or figure of a human’s body: wider at the top (which represents a person’s shoulders), slimmer in the middle (which represents a person’s waist), and wider again at the bottom (which represents a person’s hips). The body is the main portion of a human being or animal. Anatomy refers to the different parts that make up a person’s or animal’s body.
257The tip of the index finger of the active pointing-hand (the index finger is extended from an otherwise closed hand), palm facing down and finger pointing diagonally forward and down, touches a few knuckles (or joints) on the back of the stationary hand, palm facing down. Both hands are in front of the body at lower chest level. (To indicate the meaning Bone, touch only one knuckle.)
258The act of showing the location of some of the bones in one’s hand.
259The index finger of the active hand points to or indicates the location of some of the bones of the stationary hand. Bones are composed of hard, dense, whitish material; bones make up the skeleton or underlying structure of a person’s or animal’s body.
BOOK

Synonyms: Bookstore, Library, Literature, Notebook, Novel, Open One’s Book, Textbook, Volume (book)
Antonym: Close One’s Book
260Flat-hands (each hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palms touching and facing to opposite sides and fingers pointing forward, initially are held in front of the body at chest level. The hands then rotate apart so that the palms face diagonally up to opposite sides and the edges of the little fingers touch. (To indicate the meaning Close One’s Book, reverse the action of the sign.)
261The act of opening a book.
262The hands represent the front and back covers of a book that is initially closed. The book is then opened as a person prepares to read the text inside. A book is made up of written material printed on sheets of paper that are bound together to form a volume. Books are written on a variety of topics and may be used for teaching or instruction (e.g., textbooks, history books, nonfiction books), as well as for pleasure reading (e.g., novels, fictional stories). A library is a building or room in a house for storing and displaying books.
263C-hands (the fingers are together and curved, with the thumbs opposite the fingers), palms facing in and fingers pointing mostly diagonally down and out to opposite sides, initially grasp the legs below the knees. The hands then move slightly up and down.
264The act of feeling the top of a pair of boots.
265The hands feel or show the location of the top of a pair of boots or leggings worn on a person’s lower legs. Boots and galoshes are protective coverings for the feet and lower legs that are often made of leather or rubber. Galoshes are typically worn on rainy days to protect a person’s feet from getting wet and/or muddy.
266The chin and cheek rest on the palm of the curved-hand (the fingers and thumb are together and curved), palm facing to the side and fingers pointing mostly up. A frown or bored facial expression is appropriate.
267The act of propping up one’s head as a result of boredom.
268When someone is suffering from boredom, that person may use his or her hand to prop up his or her head. An individual who is bored feels that life is dull, tedious, or unexciting, that there is nothing of interest happening, or that there is nothing to do.
269The fist (the hand forms a fist), palm facing to the side and knuckles pointing forward with the thumb extended and pointing up, initially is held in front of the body at chest level. The fist then arcs up until the knuckles point up and the thumb points in toward the open mouth.
270The act of drinking from a bottle.
271The fist represents the body of a bottle, flask, or canteen and the thumb represents the neck or drinking cap as it is brought toward a person’s mouth. A bottle or flask is a container, often made of glass, metal, or plastic, for holding or storing liquids. A bottle typically has a narrow neck with an opening at its top from which a person may drink the liquid inside. Beer and ale are popular alcoholic drinks often sold and served in bottles.
272The tip of the thumb of the active fist (the hand forms a fist), palm facing in and slightly down and knuckles pointing diagonally forward with the thumb extended and pointing diagonally up, initially touches the tip of the thumb of the stationary fist, palm facing in and knuckles pointing diagonally forward to the opposite side with the thumb extended and pointing up. Both hands are in front of the body at chest level. The active fist then arcs up until the palm faces diagonally out and the thumb points diagonally down. The tips of the thumbs should remain in contact with each other.
273The act of using a bottle opener to remove the cap from a bottle.
274The active fist and thumb represent a bottle opener that bends and pops off the cap from the top of a bottle (represented by the stationary thumb and fist). A bottle opener is a device for removing the metal cap or top from a bottle.
275The spread curved-hand (the fingers are spread apart and curved), palm facing down and fingers pointing mostly forward, initially is held in front of and to the side of the body near waist level. The hand then arcs a short distance up and down a few times. (This sign can also be made by moving the hand and the forearm.)
276The act of dribbling or bouncing a basketball on the ground.
277The hand bounces an imaginary basketball on the ground or floor. In basketball, the player in possession of the ball must bounce or dribble it as he or she moves up and down the court. A bounce is a rebound, recoil, or reflection of something from a surface.
BOWEL MOVEMENT

Synonyms: BM, Defecate, Defecation, Excrement, Feces, Fertilizer, Poop, Solid Waste, Stool (feces)
278Fists (each hand forms a fist), palms facing in and knuckles pointing to opposite sides, initially are held one on top of the other with the upper, stationary fist grasping the extended thumb of the lower, active fist. Both hands are in front of the body at chest level. The lower, active fist then slowly moves down several inches.
279The act of expelling solid waste from one’s rectum. The active fist and thumb represent solid waste being discharged from the large intestine and rectum (represented by the stationary fist). Defecation or a bowel movement involves the elimination of waste, feces, excrement, or fecal material from a person’s or animal’s body.
280The edges of the little fingers of curved-hands (the fingers and thumbs are together and curved), palms facing diagonally up to opposite sides and fingers pointing mostly forward, touch as the hands are held in front of the body at lower chest level.
281The hands resemble the curved shape of a bowl.
282The hands represent the bottom and sides of a bowl or small basin. A bowl is a hemispherical vessel or container that is larger than a cup. Bowls are often used to hold soups, salads, cereal, and ice cream while a person is eating. The hands may also represent the approximate shape of a bird’s nest in which a bird lays its eggs and raises its young.
283The spread curved-hand (the fingers are spread apart and curved), palm facing out and fingers pointing mostly down, initially is held at the side of the body below waist level. The hand then swings back about a foot and then swings forward until it is about a foot in front of the body.
284The act of holding and swinging a bowling ball.
285The hand holds an imaginary bowling ball and then swings and releases the ball. Bowling is a game that involves rolling a ball down a long, relatively narrow wooden lane (or alley) to knock down a grouping of ten pins. A bowling ball is a heavy ball with three finger holes that are used for grasping and maneuvering the ball.
286One flat-hand (the hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palm facing down and fingers pointing forward, initially is held about six inches above the other flat-hand, palm facing up and fingers pointing forward. Both hands are in front of the body at chest level. The hands then move to opposite sides, rotate, and then move a short distance so that the palms face each other.
287The act of showing the shape and dimensions of a box.
288The hands represent the top, bottom, and then sides of a small box, parcel, or package. A box is a container (often rectangular in shape) that typically is made of wood, cardboard, or metal. A bin or crate often is used for long-term storage. The dimensions or size of an object include the length, width, and height of its sides.
289The edges of the index finger and thumb of the tapered- or O-hand (the fingers are together and curved, with the finger tips touching the thumb tip), palm facing to the side and knuckles pointing up, initially touch the forehead above the eyebrow. The hand then moves up slightly.
290The act of adjusting the hat on a boy’s head.
291A boy may grasp the brim of his hat and then tip it up slightly when greeting another person. A boy is a male child (a son) or young person.
292The tips of the fingers of curved-hands (the fingers and thumbs are together and curved), palms facing up and fingers pointing mostly at each other and to opposite sides, touch as the edges of the little fingers rest on the chest below the breasts.
293The act of wearing a bra.
294The hands represent the cups on the front of a bra. A bra or brassiere is an undergarment that is worn around a woman’s chest to provide support for her breasts. A typical bra has cups in the front to hold the breasts, a strap that goes around the woman’s back to secure the bra in place, and shoulder straps that provide additional support.
295The tip of the index finger of the active pointing-hand (the index finger is extended from an otherwise closed hand), palm and finger pointing down and knuckles pointing diagonally forward, initially is held close to or touching the wrist of the stationary hand, palm facing down. Both hands are in front of the body at chest level. The active index finger then circles most of the way around the stationary wrist.
296The act of showing the location of a bracelet on one’s wrist.
297The index finger of the active hand points to or indicates the location of a bracelet worn on a person’s stationary wrist. A bracelet is an ornamental band or chain that is worn around a person’s wrist. The wrist (carpus) is the joint that connects a person’s forearm with the hand.
298The index finger of the pointing-hand (the index finger is extended from an otherwise closed hand), palm facing in and finger pointing up, is bent slightly as the tip of the finger initially touches an upper tooth on one side of the mouth. The finger then slides across the upper teeth to the other side of the mouth. The lips should be drawn back with the teeth exposed.
299The act of showing the location of braces worn on one’s teeth.
300The index finger points to or indicates the location of braces worn on a person’s teeth. Braces are wires that are fastened to misaligned teeth for the purpose of straightening them. Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry that specializes in the correction of crooked teeth and teeth irregularities.
301The lower edge of the active flat-hand (the hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palm facing to the side and fingers pointing forward, initially rests on the upturned palm of the stationary flat-hand, palm facing up and fingers pointing to the side. Both hands are in front of the body at lower chest level. The active hand then slides back and forth a few times on the stationary palm.
302The act of slicing bread.
303The active hand represents a large knife as it is used to slice a loaf of fresh bread (represented by the stationary hand). Bread is a food typically made with flour and baked in the shape of a rectangular or oval loaf. Pieces of toast are slices of bread that have been browned in a toaster or under the broiler of an oven.
304Fists (each hand forms a fist), palms facing down and knuckles pointing forward, initially are held several inches apart in front of the body at chest level. The fists then quickly rotate so that the palms face each other and to opposite sides.
305The act of breaking an object in half.
306The fists hold an imaginary object and then break or snap it into two pieces. To break means to suddenly snap or separate an object into parts. Something is considered broken if it contains a fracture or no longer works as designed.
307The tapered- or O-hand (the fingers are together and curved, with the finger tips touching the thumb tip), palm facing out and knuckles pointing up, initially is extended forward and diagonally up in front of the body at head level. The hand then rotates so that the palm faces in as the tips of the fingers and thumb move to touch the lips.
308The act of eating a piece of fruit for breakfast.
309The hand reaches out to grasp a piece of fruit (or other food) and then brings it to a person’s mouth. Breakfast is the morning meal or the meal eaten at the top or beginning of the day. Fruit is often eaten for breakfast. Related to the signs for Lunch and Dinner. (The hand in this sign reaches out to a higher location than in those two signs.)
BREATHE

Synonyms: Alive, Breath, Breathing, Exhale, Inhale, Life, Live, Pant, Respiration, Respiratory, Survive
310Spread- or 5-hands (each hand is flat with fingers spread apart and extended), palms facing in and fingers pointing to opposite sides, initially are held one above the other with the upper hand touching the upper chest and the lower hand touching the lower chest. The hands then slowly move forward a few inches, and then return to the chest. The action may be repeated.
311The act of a person breathing in and out.
312The position of the hands away from the chest represents the expanded chest cavity as a person breathes air into his or her lungs. The position of the hands close to the chest represents a deflated chest cavity as a person breathes air out. To breathe means to inhale and exhale air. Respiration typically refers to the process of breathing in oxygen and breathing out carbon dioxide.
313The tips of the fingers of curved-hands (the fingers and thumbs are together and curved), palms and fingers pointing at each other and to opposite sides and knuckles pointing up, touch as the hands are held in front of the body at upper chest level. (Alternatively, this sign can be made with the tips of the fingers of bent-hands (the fingers are together and extended at right angles with respect to the palms), palms and fingers pointing at each other and to opposite sides and knuckles pointing up, touching in front of the body.)
314The hands resemble the shape of a bridge.
315The fingers and hands represent a bridge and its supporting girders. A bridge is a structure that enables people to cross or travel over a river, stream, or ravine.
316The spread- or 5-hand (the hand is flat with fingers spread apart and extended), palm facing to the side and fingers pointing diagonally down, initially is held in front of and to the side of the body at waist level. The hand then swings from side to side a couple of times.
317The act of sweeping the floor with a broom.
318The arm represents the handle of a broom and the hand and fingers represent the bristles as a person uses the broom to sweep dirt or crumbs from the floor (represented by the location). A broom is a large brush connected to a long handle. Brooms are often used to clean or sweep up dust, dirt, and other debris from the floor.
319The fist (the hand forms a fist), palm facing to the side and knuckles pointing forward, initially is extended straight out in front of and to the side of the body at upper chest level. The arm then arcs in until the fist rests on the chest over the heart, palm facing in and knuckles pointing to the side.
320The act of taking a pledge of brotherhood.
321The movement of the fist represents the taking of a pledge of togetherness in a person’s heart (represented by the final position): brothers forever. A brother is a male sibling (someone who has the same parents as another person). A fraternity is a college social club and/or service organization composed of male students.
BRUISE

Synonyms: Birthmark, Blemish, Blister, Bump(s), Contusion, Discoloration, Flaw (blemish), Hematoma, Spot, Stain (on clothing)
322The tip of the index finger of the active pointing-hand (the index finger is extended from an otherwise closed hand), palm facing down and finger pointing diagonally forward and down, traces a small circle on the back of the stationary forearm, palm facing down. Both hands are in front of the body near lower chest level.
323The act of outlining a bruise or discoloration on one’s arm.
324The index finger of the active hand points to or indicates the location of a bruise or blemish on the stationary forearm. A bruise is an injury that results in the discoloration, but not the breaking, of a person’s skin. A birthmark is a patch of discolored skin present from birth onward.
325The fist (the hand forms a fist), palm facing out and knuckles pointing down, initially is held next to the body at knee level. (If possible, the signer should bend over slightly in that direction.) The fist then moves up to waist level as the signer straightens.
326The act of lifting a bucket or pail by its handle.
327A person bends over and grasps the handle of an imaginary bucket and then uses it to lift the bucket. A bucket or pail is a cylindrical container with a handle. Buckets are typically used to carry and transport liquids such as water or milk, but may also be used to convey other items.
328The active tapered- or O-hand (the fingers are together and curved, with the finger tips touching the thumb tip), palm facing down and knuckles pointing diagonally forward, initially is extended diagonally forward in front of the body just above waist level. The active hand then moves back until the tips of the fingers and thumb touch the upturned palm of the stationary flat-hand (the hand is flat with fingers together and extended), fingers pointing diagonally forward to the opposite side. The action is repeated a couple of times with the active hand moving forward and then moving diagonally forward to the other side.
329The act of getting food from a buffet.
330The active hand reaches out and picks up multiple food items from a buffet and then puts the food on a plate (represented by the stationary hand). A buffet is an arrangement of different foods, snacks, and/or refreshments on a table or counter from which a person typically serves himself or herself. A banquet or feast is an abundant meal in celebration of a person or event.
331The tips of the fingers of the active bent-hand (the fingers are together and extended at a right angle with respect to the palm), palm and fingers pointing down and knuckles pointing diagonally forward, initially touch the middle of the stationary forearm, palm facing down. Both hands are in front of the body at lower chest level. The fingers of the active hand then brush diagonally forward until the hand becomes a flat-hand (the hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palm facing down and fingers pointing diagonally forward.
332The act of brushing an insect or bug off one’s arm.
333The active hand flicks or brushes an imaginary bug or insect off a person’s stationary forearm. A bug often refers to an insect or small pest.
334Flat-hands (each hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palms facing down and fingers pointing to opposite sides, initially are held one a few inches above the other in front of the body above waist level. The upper hand then moves down to cover the lower hand. The hands alternately cover each other as they move up to upper chest level.
335The act of placing one layer of bricks on top of another to build something.
336The hands represent bricks or other materials that are placed on top of each other to build or increase the height of a structure. To build means to construct, make, or erect something by using materials such as bricks or wood. Construction is the process of building, erecting, and/or creating a structure.
337The edges of the index fingers and thumbs of flat-hands (each hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palms facing diagonally down to opposite sides and fingers pointing diagonally up, initially touch in front of the body just above head level. The hands then move about eighteen inches diagonally down to opposite sides, rotate so that the palms face each other and to opposite sides and fingers point forward, and then move straight down another eighteen inches.
338The act of showing the roof and sides of a large building.
339The hands show or outline the shape of a pitched roof and then the sides of a large building or barn. A building is a structure with a lot of internal space and that usually has multiple rooms. A barn or stable is a farm structure that typically is used to house animals or equipment. A warehouse is a building that is used to store supplies.
340Fists (each hand forms a fist), palms facing up and knuckles pointing diagonally forward to opposite sides, initially are held about a foot apart in front of the body at waist level. The fists then alternately arc back and forth a few times.
341The act of turning the large steering wheel of a bus.
342The hands grasp the large steering wheel of an imaginary bus and then move it back and forth while driving. A bus is a large motor vehicle designed to carry a number of passengers along a route. Buses often have large steering wheels that move mostly in the horizontal plane.
343The wrist of the spread- or 5-hand (the hand is flat with fingers spread apart and extended), palm facing out and fingers pointing up, rests against the palm of the flat-hand (the hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palm facing in and fingers pointing to the side. Both hands are in front of the body at chest level. (To indicate the meaning Hedge, make this sign and then move the arms a short distance to the side.)
344The upper hand resembles the shape of a bush.
345The upper hand represents the branches and leaves of a bush growing above the ground (represented by the lower hand). A bush or shrub is a plant that grows out of the ground and is between grass and a tree in its height. A hedge is a row of bushes or shrubs.
346The index and middle fingers of the active H-hand (the index and middle fingers are together and extended from an otherwise closed hand), palm facing down and fingers pointing diagonally forward, initially touch the upturned palm of the stationary flat-hand (the hand is flat with fingers together and extended), fingers pointing diagonally forward to the opposite side. Both hands are in front of the body at lower chest level. The active hand then slides back and forth on the stationary palm.
347The act of spreading butter onto a slice of bread.
348The index and middle fingers of the active hand represent a knife as it spreads butter or margarine on a piece of bread or toast (represented by the stationary hand). Butter is a yellowish substance that is made from the fat of milk. Butter is often used as a seasoning, to flavor and moisten bread for eating, or as a substitute for oil when frying food.
349The thumbs of spread- or 5-hands (each hand is flat with fingers spread apart and extended), palms facing out and fingers pointing diagonally up and out to opposite sides, initially are crossed as they touch in front of the body near shoulder level. The hands then partially close and open (the fingers arc diagonally down and back up) a few times. The hands may move forward slightly.
350The act of a butterfly moving or fluttering its wings.
351The hands represent the fluttering wings of a butterfly or moth as it flies around. A butterfly is an insect with large, delicate, and often colorful wings. A moth is a similar flying insect, but with smaller, less colorful wings.
BUTTOCKS

Synonyms: Anal, Anus, Behind (buttocks), Bottom (buttocks), Butt, Gluteus Maximus, Rear End (buttocks), Rectal, Rectum, Rump
352The pointing-hand (the index finger is extended from an otherwise closed hand), palm facing diagonally up and finger pointing diagonally forward, initially is held near the buttocks. The hand then moves forward until the tip of the index finger touches one buttock.
353The act of showing the location of one’s buttocks or rear end.
354The index finger points to or indicates the location of a person’s buttocks or rear end. The buttocks are the backs of a person’s hips and rump and are composed of fat and muscle tissue. A person’s rump or rear end is used for sitting.
355The edges of the index finger and thumb of the baby O-hand (the index finger and thumb are curved and touch at their tips from an otherwise closed hand), palm facing to the side and knuckles pointing up, initially rest on the center of the chest. The hand then arcs down slightly. The action may be repeated on lower positions.
356The act of showing the location of two shirt buttons.
357The curved index finger and thumb represent the round shape of two (or more) buttons located on the front of a person’s shirt. A button is a small disk sewn onto a garment or piece of clothing that is often used to fasten together the sides of the garment.
358Baby O-hands (the index fingers and thumbs are curved and touch at their tips from otherwise closed hands), palms facing out and knuckles pointing up, initially are held a few inches apart and about twelve to fifteen inches in front of the body at chest level. The hands then arc in toward the body, rotating so that the palms face each other and to opposite sides and are about twelve to eighteen inches apart.
359The act of opening the doors of a cabinet or cupboard.
360The hands grasp the handles of an imaginary cabinet’s doors and then pull them open. A cabinet or cupboard is a boxed enclosure for storing kitchen plates and supplies; bathrooms often have storage cabinets as well. A pantry typically is a closet or large cabinet with shelving that is used to store non-perishable food items.
361The tips of the fingers and thumb of the active claw-hand (the fingers are spread apart and bent), palm facing down and knuckles pointing diagonally forward, initially touch the back of the stationary flat-hand (the hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palm facing down and fingers pointing diagonally forward to the opposite side. Both hands are in front of the body at chest level. The active hand then slowly moves up a few inches.
362The act of a cake or muffin rising while baking.
363The active hand represents cake batter or dough in a pan (represented by the stationary hand). When put into an oven and heated, the batter or dough rises. A cake is a sweet, bread-like dessert, often served with icing. A cupcake is a smaller version of a cake. Coffee cakes, muffins, and scones are baked goods that are typically eaten for breakfast.
364The tips of the fingers of the active spread- or 5-hand (the hand is flat with fingers spread apart and extended), palm facing in and fingers pointing diagonally forward, brush along the palm and fingers of the stationary flat-hand (the hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palm facing in and fingers pointing diagonally forward to the opposite side. Both hands are in front of the body at lower chest level. The active hand then rotates so that the palm faces down as the tips of the fingers brush down the stationary palm.
365The act of tracing the lines in a calendar or schedule book.
366The fingers of the active hand trace the horizontal rows (weeks) and then the vertical columns (days of the week) on a page in a calendar (represented by the stationary hand). A calendar is a system for dividing a year into time periods, such as months, weeks, and days. The active fingers may also represent the dividing lines in a schedule, datebook, timetable, or appointment book.
CALM DOWN

Synonyms: Allay (calm), Appease, Assuage (pacify), Be Patient, Calm, Conciliatory, Mollify, Pacify, Passive, Patience, Patient (calm), Peace, Peaceful, Placate, Quell (pacify), Serene, Settle Down (calm down), Slow Down, Still, Tranquil
367Flat-hands (each hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palms facing each other and to opposite sides and fingers pointing up, initially are held about a foot apart in front of the body at shoulder level. The hands then slowly arc down to lower chest level and out to the sides, ending with palms facing down and fingers pointing forward.
368The act of motioning to someone to calm down and be still.
369The hands arc down slowly until they are flat, horizontal, and motionless, which represents a peaceful or calm state of being. To calm down means that a person or situation transforms from being agitated to becoming peaceful, tranquil, serene, and still. To be patient means to calmly wait or endure a situation.
370The flat-hand (the hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palm facing to the side and fingers pointing mostly forward with the thumb closest to the ground, initially is located in front of the opposite side of the body at upper chest level. The hand then makes two vertical arcs in front of the body as it moves to the other side, ending with the palm facing to the opposite side and fingers pointing forward with the little finger closest to the ground.
371The act of showing the humps of a two-humped camel.
372The hand shows or outlines the two prominent humps of a camel. A camel is a large, tan, long-necked animal that is often used for transportation in Africa and the Middle East. Camels may have one or two humps (rounded swellings on the back).
373The index fingers and thumbs of L-hands (the index fingers and thumbs are extended from otherwise closed hands and form right angles), palms facing each other and to opposite sides and fingers pointing up, are bent slightly as the hands are held near the eyes. The active index finger then bends down an additional short distance and back up. The action is repeated.
374The act of taking pictures or snapping photos with a camera.
375The index fingers and thumbs represent the sides of an imaginary camera. The active index finger then clicks a button on the camera that opens the camera’s shutter and takes a photograph. A camera is a device for taking pictures, snapshots, or photographs and recording them onto film or as digital files.
376The fist (the hand forms a fist), palm facing up and knuckles pointing forward, initially is held in front of the side of the body at lower chest level. The fist then arcs up to just in front of the shoulder, ending with the palm facing in and knuckles pointing up. The action is repeated.
377The act of successfully lifting a hand weight.
378A person’s hand grasps an imaginary barbell or hand weight and then is able to lift it to shoulder level. Can means to be able to do something. A capable person is someone who can get things done. A barbell is a weight that can be grasped and lifted with a person’s hand; barbells are used for exercising and building muscle mass.
379The tip of the index finger of the stationary pointing-hand (the index finger is extended from an otherwise closed hand), palm facing to the side and finger pointing up, touches the base of the active spread- or 5-hand (the hand is flat with fingers spread apart and extended), palm facing to the opposite side and fingers pointing up. Both hands are in front of the body at chest level. The active hand then arcs back and forth slightly. (Alternatively, one can wiggle the fingers.)
380The act of a candle’s flame flickering or burning unsteadily.
381The index finger of the stationary hand represents a tall, slender wax candle and the active hand represents the candle’s flickering flame. A candle is a waxed form that encases a cloth-like flammable wick. When lit, a candle provides light to a room. A flare is a flammable chemical stick often used near traffic accidents to denote that drivers should proceed with caution. A flare may also be a projectile shot into the air to signal that a person needs help.
382The H-hand (the index and middle fingers are together and extended from an otherwise closed hand), palm and fingers pointing diagonally in and knuckles pointing up, initially is held in front of and to the side of the lower face. The hand then moves a short distance in until the tips of the index and middle fingers touch the lips. An open mouth is appropriate.
383The act of eating a candy bar or granola bar.
384The index and middle fingers represent the approximate size and rectangular shape of a candy bar, energy bar, granola bar, or a bar of chocolate. A candy bar typically is a small bar or block of sweet and chewy foodstuffs that may be covered in a layer of chocolate.
385The fist (the hand forms a fist), palm facing to the side and knuckles pointing diagonally down, initially is held just in front of and to the side of the body at waist level. The fist then arcs forward several inches at a time.
386The act of holding and using a cane while walking.
387The hand grasps an imaginary cane and then walks with it. A cane is a slender, sturdy, wooden or metal walking stick. A cane helps a person keep his or her balance by maintaining contact with the ground or floor while the person is on foot.
388The fist (the hand forms a fist), palm facing out and knuckles pointing down, initially is held straight down at the side of the body. The fist then gradually moves up until it is parallel to the floor with the palm facing up and knuckles pointing forward. The fist wavers and then moves back to its original position.
389The act of being unable to fully lift a hand weight.
390A person’s hand grasps an imaginary barbell or hand weight and then is unable to lift it to shoulder level. Cannot means to be unable to do something. An incapable person is someone who is largely powerless and cannot get things done.
391Fists (each hand forms a fist), knuckles pointing forward, initially are located in front of one side of the body with the upper hand, palm facing down, at shoulder level and about twelve to fifteen inches above the lower hand, palm facing to the side. The upper hand then moves down and slightly back as the lower hand arcs back and down until it is even with the side of the body. The action is repeated.
392The act of paddling a canoe.
393The hands grasp an imaginary paddle and then use it to displace water and propel a canoe. A canoe is a small, slender vessel for traveling on the surface of water. A paddle is a type of oar with a short handle and a broad, rectangular end or blade used by a person to displace water and move a canoe.
394The active tapered- or O-hand (the fingers are together and curved, with the finger tips touching the thumb tip), palm facing in and knuckles pointing diagonally forward, initially is held just above or touching the stationary curved-hand (the fingers and thumb are together and curved), palm facing up and fingers pointing mostly diagonally forward to the opposite side. (The thumb of the curved-hand may stick out and point forward.) Both hands are in front of the body at lower chest level. The active hand then arcs forward several inches and slightly down. The sign is repeated a couple of times as the active hand moves to the side.
395The act of dealing cards to several people.
396The active hand grasps the top card of an imaginary deck of playing cards that is held in a person’s stationary hand and then distributes individual cards to multiple people. Playing cards often are rectangular pieces of paperboard or thin cardboard with different numerical values that are used in many card games. Card games such as poker, bridge, or blackjack are popular ways for people to pass the time.
397The tip of the index finger of the active pointing-hand (the index finger is extended from an otherwise closed hand), palm and finger pointing down and knuckles pointing diagonally forward, initially touches the base of the index finger of the stationary pointing-hand, palm facing in and finger pointing diagonally forward to the opposite side. Both hands are in front of the body at chest level. The active index finger then moves slowly down the edge of the stationary index finger.
398The act of moving carefully or cautiously.
399The index finger of the active hand represents a person who is moving carefully along a tightrope or narrow ledge (represented by the stationary index finger). Someone who is careful is paying attention and moving with appropriate caution.
CARPET

Synonyms: Even (flat), Flat (even), Flatten (smooth out), Floor, Flooring, Level (flat), Mat, Rug, Smooth Out, Surface
400The edges of the index fingers and thumbs of flat-hands (each hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palms facing down and fingers pointing forward, initially touch in front of the body below waist level. The hands then move to opposite sides until they are about two feet apart.
401The act of showing the location of a carpet or rug on the floor.
402The hands represent a carpet or rug lying on the floor (represented by the location below waist level). A decorative rug or mat is a piece of moveable material that partially covers the floor. A carpet frequently is stationary and often covers the entire floor in a room. This sign may also be used to refer to a surface that is flat, even, or level.
403The tip of the index finger of the active pointing-hand (the index finger is extended from an otherwise closed hand), palm facing down and finger pointing diagonally forward and down, grazes the upper edge of the index finger of the stationary pointing-hand, palm facing in and finger pointing diagonally forward to the opposite side and down. Both hands are in front of the body at lower chest level. The action is repeated a couple of times.
404The act of peeling a carrot.
405The index finger of the active hand represents a knife or vegetable peeler in the process of removing the skin of a carrot (represented by the stationary index finger). A carrot is an orange root vegetable that is typically long and slender. A vegetable peeler is a small kitchen device used to pare or remove the outer skin or peel of carrots, potatoes, cucumbers, and other firm vegetables.
406Curved-hands (the fingers and thumbs are together and curved), palms facing up and fingers pointing mostly diagonally forward and out to the side, initially are held about a foot apart in front of one side of the body at lower chest level. The hands then arc to the other side of the body, ending with the fingers pointing mostly diagonally forward to the opposite side.
407The act of carrying or transporting something.
408The hands and forearms hold an imaginary object at one location (represented by the initial position) and then carry or transport it to a different location (represented by the final position). To carry means to bring, transport, convey, or deliver something from one place to another. Something that is portable is able to be moved.
409Tapered- or O-hands (the fingers are together and curved, with the finger tips touching the thumb tips), palms facing down and knuckles pointing forward, initially are held about a foot apart in front of the body at lower chest level. The hands then move forward several inches.
410The act of pushing a grocery cart or stroller.
411The hands grasp the bar at the rear of an imaginary grocery cart or stroller and then push it forward. A grocery cart is a rectangular basket on wheels that is used to store and carry items while shopping. A stroller or pram is a wheeled seat for safely transporting babies and young children. A lawn mower typically is a fuel-powered mechanical device or vehicle that uses a large, sharp, whirling blade to cut grass.
412Claw-hands (the fingers are spread apart and bent), palms facing each other and to opposite sides and knuckles pointing down, initially touch the sides of one upper leg. The hands then slide down toward the knee. (To indicate a cast on another part of the body, make this sign and then point to the part of the body affected.)
413The act of showing the location of a cast or brace worn on one’s leg.
414The hands represent the sides of a cast or brace worn on a person’s leg (or on another part of a person’s body). A medical cast is a structure surrounding an injured limb that is meant to stabilize broken bones during the healing process. A splint typically consists of two temporary braces (sticks, rods, or plastic molds) that are placed on the sides of an injured limb and then wrapped with bandages.
415The tips of the fingers of spread- or 5-hands (each hand is flat with fingers spread apart and extended), palms facing in and fingers pointing at each other and to opposite sides, initially rest on the face near the sides of the mouth. The hands then move slightly out to the sides.
416The act of showing the location of a cat’s whiskers.
417The fingers represent the long whiskers on the sides of a cat’s nose and mouth. A cat typically is a small, furry, domesticated feline that is known for purring. Many people keep cats as pets or for catching mice. A kitten is a young or baby cat.
418Spread curved-hands (the fingers are spread apart and curved), palms mostly facing each other and to opposite sides and fingers pointing mostly diagonally up, initially are held in front of the body at chest level. The hands then reach up to near shoulder level as they move closer together to form a rough spherical shape, ending with palms facing diagonally out.
419The act of reaching out and up with one’s hands to catch a large ball.
420The hands represent the approximate configuration needed to catch an object or a large ball (such as a basketball or football). In many sports, balls are thrown to a nearby player on the same team. When people catch a ball or another thrown object, they typically use their hands to take in the ball or object and gain control of it.
421The pointing-hand (the index finger is extended from an otherwise closed hand), palm facing to the side and finger pointing up, initially is held in front of one side of the body at shoulder level. The index finger then bends and straightens (wiggles) several times as the hand moves to the other side.
422The act of a caterpillar moving.
423The index finger represents a caterpillar as it wiggles or crawls along a branch or leaf in an imaginary tree (represented by the location at shoulder level). A caterpillar is a multi-legged, often fuzzy, worm-like insect that typically later transforms itself into a butterfly or moth.
424The tip of the index finger of the pointing-hand (the index finger is extended from an otherwise closed hand), palm facing in and finger pointing down, initially touches the groin. The hand then rotates so that the palm faces out and the finger points diagonally down as the hand moves out to the side.
425The act of showing the location of a urinary catheter and tube.
426The index finger represents a urinary catheter and the longer tube to which it is attached. A catheter is a thin, flexible tube that is inserted into the urethra to assist in the removal of urine from a patient’s bladder. A catheter is often attached to a longer tube that drains the urine into a disposable bag.
427The tips of the fingers and thumb of the active claw-hand (the fingers are spread apart and bent), palm facing down and knuckles pointing diagonally forward, initially touch the upturned palm and fingers of the stationary flat-hand (the hand is flat with fingers together and extended), fingers pointing diagonally forward to the opposite side. Both hands are in front of the body at lower chest level. The active hand then moves a short distance to the side and then down slightly.
428The act of putting a disc into a CD player.
429The active hand picks up an imaginary CD or DVD by its edges from its initial location inside a plastic case (represented by the stationary hand). The disc is then inserted into an imaginary CD or DVD player. A CD or DVD is a round disc that electronically stores information (data, music, movies).
430The spread- or 5-hand (the hand is flat with fingers spread apart and extended), palm facing up and fingers pointing diagonally back, initially is held several inches above the head. The hand then moves up and down slightly.
431The act of showing the location of the ceiling.
432A person may use his or her hand to reach above his or her head and try to touch or feel the ceiling. A ceiling is the top or overhead part of a room.
433Pointing-hands (the index fingers are extended from otherwise closed hands), palms facing each other and to opposite sides and fingers pointing up, initially are held to the sides of the head. The hands then move in small horizontal circles. (The hands may also move up slightly.) An enthusiastic smile or happy facial expression is appropriate.
434The act of waving party favors at a celebration.
435The index fingers represent party favors being waved at a party or in celebration of an event. A party is a social gathering of people. To celebrate means to have a good time, often in honor of an accomplishment or successful endeavor.
436The active H-hand (the index and middle fingers are together and extended from an otherwise closed hand), palm facing up and fingers pointing to the side, initially touches or is held just above the upturned palm of the stationary curved-hand (the fingers and thumb are together and curved), fingers mostly pointing to the opposite side. Both hands are in front of the body at lower chest level. The active hand then arcs up to the mouth. The action may be repeated. An open mouth is appropriate.
437The act of eating cereal from a bowl.
438The index and middle fingers of the active hand represent a spoon used to scoop up cereal or oatmeal from a bowl (represented by the stationary hand) and bring it to a person’s mouth. Cereal is a common breakfast meal made from grains or corn and often served with milk.
CHAIN

Synonyms: Affiliated With, Affiliation, Annex, Associated With, Attach, Attached To, Connect, Connection, Correlation, Join, Liaison (contact person), Link, Membership, Relationship
439The index fingers and thumbs of baby O-hands (the index fingers and thumbs are curved and touch at their tips from otherwise closed hands), palms facing each other and to opposite sides and slightly down, interlock as the hands are held in front of the body at chest level.
440The fingers resemble the connected links in a chain.
441The interlocked index fingers and thumbs represent two links in a chain. A chain is a series of joined metal loops often used to lock gates, pull or tow heavy items, or lift and drop boat anchors. To attach means to connect or join one thing to another. This sign may also be used to indicate that two people, groups, or entities (represented by the hands) share an affiliation, relationship, or are associated with each other in some way.
442The tips of the fingers of the bent-hand (the fingers are together and extended at a right angle with respect to the palm), palm and fingers pointing to the side and knuckles pointing up, touch the palm of the flat-hand (the hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palm facing to the opposite side and fingers pointing up. Both hands are in front of the body at chest level.
443The hands resemble the shape of a typical chair or seat.
444The flat-hand represents the back and back legs of a chair, the fingers of the bent-hand represent the chair’s seat, and the rest of the bent-hand represents the front legs of the chair. A chair or seat is a piece of furniture used for sitting. A car seat is a protective cradle used to transport infants and young children while traveling by vehicle.
CHANGE

Synonyms: Adapt, Adaptation, Alter, Amend, Become, Convert, Metamorphosis, Modification, Modify, Mutate, Remodel, Revise, Segue, Transform, Transition, Transmutation, Turn Into, Update
445The fists (each hand forms a fist) rest one on top of the other in front of the body at lower chest level. The upper fist initially is palm down with knuckles pointing diagonally forward and the lower fist is palm up with knuckles pointing diagonally forward to the opposite side. The fists then twist or rotate in opposite directions until their positions are reversed.
446The act of undergoing a change in position or orientation.
447The initial arrangement of the fists represents one position or state of being and the final arrangement represents a different position or state of being. To change means to adapt, transform, modify, or become different in some way. A transition is the process and related period of time needed to undergo a change (often in leadership) or to implement new rules or policies.
448The active L-hand (the index finger and thumb are extended from an otherwise closed hand and form a right angle), palm facing down and index finger pointing diagonally forward and thumb pointing diagonally in, initially rests on the wrist and base of the stationary flat-hand (the hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palm facing up and fingers pointing diagonally forward to the opposite side. Both hands are in front of the body at lower chest level. The active hand then slides down the stationary palm and fingers.
449The act of outlining the rectangular shape of a paycheck or money order.
450The thumb and index finger of the active hand represent two of the four edges of a check located in a checkbook (represented by the stationary hand). A check or money order is a piece of paper that authorizes the transfer of funds from one bank account to another.
451The tips of the index finger and thumb of the baby O-hand (the index finger and thumb are curved and touch at their tips from an otherwise closed hand), palm facing to the side and knuckles pointing up, lightly pinch the cheek.
452The act of lightly pinching one’s cheek.
453The fingers pinch or grasp the loose flesh or skin of a person’s cheek. Cheeks are the flesh located on each side of a person’s face below the eyes.
454The tips of the fingers and thumbs of flat-hands (each hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palms and thumbs facing each other and fingers pointing diagonally forward to opposite sides, touch in front of the body at lower chest level.
455The act of outlining the triangular shape of a wedge of cheese.
456The fingers and thumbs represent the three sides of a triangular wedge of cheese. Cheese is a solidified milk product often sold in blocks, rounds, or wedge form. Many cheeses are made from cow’s milk, but cheese may also be made from goat’s milk or sheep’s milk.
457C-hands (the fingers are together and curved, with the thumbs opposite the fingers), palms facing out and fingers pointing mostly up, initially are held about eighteen inches apart in front of and to the sides of the body above shoulder level. The hands then alternately arc toward each other and down to chest level a couple of times. (This sign may also be made with the fingers slightly apart.)
458The act of preparing a chemical solution.
459The hands grasp imaginary beakers full of chemicals that a chemist then mixes together to form a solution. Chemistry is the scientific study of atoms and molecules and how various elements or substances interact. Chemists study the properties of substances and the transformations they may undergo.
460Flat-hands (each hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palms facing in and fingers pointing at each other and to opposite sides, initially rest on the upper chest. The hands then slide down a few inches.
461The act of showing the location of one’s chest.
462The hands indicate or show the location of a person’s chest. The chest is the upper part of a person’s torso. The chest extends approximately from below the shoulders to the lower edge of a person’s ribcage.
463The thumbs of spread- or 5-hands (each hand is flat with fingers spread apart and extended), palms facing in and fingers pointing at each other and to opposite sides, are held under the armpits. The arms then flap up and down.
464The act of a chicken flapping its wings.
465The arms represent the wings of a chicken as they are flapped up and down. A chicken is a domesticated fowl (or bird) that lays eggs. Chicken is a popular meat and major source of protein in many countries. Chicken eggs are often eaten for breakfast and used as an ingredient in many baked dishes and desserts. Poultry refers to domesticated birds such as chicken or turkey.
466The flat-hand (the hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palm facing down and fingers pointing forward, initially is held in front of one side of the body at lower chest level. The hand then makes a small hop to the side.
467The act of patting a child on the top of his or her head.
468The hand indicates or shows the approximate height of a young child or kid. A child is the offspring of two parents. A minor or juvenile is a young person who has not yet reached adulthood or the legal age of independence.
469The tip of the index finger of the pointing-hand (the index finger is extended from an otherwise closed hand), palm facing in and finger pointing diagonally up, touches the chin.
470The act of showing the location of one’s chin.
471The index finger points to or indicates the location of a person’s chin. The chin is the bony projection below a person’s mouth that adjoins or connects the lower jaws.
472The tips of the index finger and thumb of the active baby O-hand (the index finger and thumb are curved and touch at their tips from an otherwise closed hand), palm and fingers pointing down and knuckles pointing forward, initially are held just inside the top of the stationary tapered- or O-hand (the fingers are together and curved, with the finger tips touching the thumb tip), palm facing to the side and knuckles pointing forward. Both hands are in front of the body at lower chest level. The active hand then arcs up to the mouth, rotating so that the palm faces in and knuckles point diagonally up. An open mouth is appropriate. The action is repeated.
473The act of eating chips from a bag.
474The active hand grasps and removes chips from a bag (represented by the stationary hand) and then brings them to the mouth. Chips are a thin, salty snack food often made from potatoes or corn. This sign may also be used to refer to various chocolate and sugared candies that are often packaged and sold in small bags and boxes.
475The C-hand (the fingers are together and curved, with the thumb opposite the fingers), palm facing in and fingers pointing mostly to the side, grasps the front of the neck. A scared or fearful facial expression is appropriate.
476The act of using one’s hand to choke or strangle another person.
477The placement of a person’s hand on the neck indicates that he or she is being choked and cannot breathe. To choke, asphyxiate, or strangle means to block or inhibit the passage of air through a person’s windpipe to the lungs. A person may also choke on a piece of food lodged in the throat or when suffering from an acute allergic reaction that causes swelling in the throat and/or windpipe.
CHOOSE

Synonyms: Choice, Discover, Find, Locate (find), Options, Pick Up (small objects), Recover (find), Retrieve, Select, Selection
478The G-hand (the index finger and thumb are extended from an otherwise closed hand and are parallel), palm and fingers pointing down and knuckles pointing diagonally forward, initially is held in front of the opposite side of the body at chest level. The index finger and thumb then close into a baby O-hand (the index finger and thumb are curved and touch at their tips from an otherwise closed hand) as the hand reaches down and then moves back up. The action is or may be repeated a couple of times as the hand moves to the other side.
479The act of choosing or selecting several things.
480The active hand picks up a series of small or lightweight objects displayed on an imaginary table (represented by the lower position). To choose means to select from among multiple options. To find means to discover something new or to locate something that was previously lost or hidden.
481The active flat-hand (the hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palm facing in and fingers pointing diagonally forward and slightly up, initially is held several inches above the wrist of the stationary flat-hand, palm facing in and fingers pointing diagonally forward to the opposite side. Both hands are in front of the body at chest level. The active hand then arcs down until the edge of the little finger strikes the stationary wrist.
482The act of chopping up something.
483The active hand represents the head of a cleaver as it splits apart a piece of meat (represented by the stationary forearm). To chop means to break up into smaller pieces. A cleaver is a large, heavy knife used mainly by butchers to chop up meat for consumption.
484The flat-hand (the hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palm facing out and fingers pointing up, initially is held in front of the body at upper chest level. The hand then moves down about a foot, arcs slightly up and to the left, and finally moves about a foot to the right. (Alternatively, the hand may move down, arc slightly up and to the right, and then move to the left.)
485The act of drawing the shape of a large cross.
486The hand represents the approximate width of a large cross as the hand draws the length of the vertical and horizontal beams of the cross. A Christian is a person who professes faith in the divinity of Jesus, who died on a cross.
CHURCH

Synonyms: Belfry, Cathedral, Chapel, Holy Place, Minaret, Mosque, Place of Worship, Prayer House, Sanctuary, Spire, Steeple, Synagogue, Tabernacle, Temple (religious)
487The tips of the index fingers and knuckles of pointing-hands (the index fingers are extended from otherwise closed hands), palms facing each other and to opposite sides and fingers pointing diagonally up to opposite sides, touch as the hands are held in front of the body at upper chest level.
488The hands and index fingers resemble the shape of a church and its steeple.
489The hands represent a church, chapel, or cathedral and the index fingers represent the church’s steeple. A church, mosque, synagogue, or temple is a holy place for worship, prayer, religious study, and spiritual contemplation. A steeple is a short tower attached to a church.
490The V-hand (the index and middle fingers are spread apart and extended from an otherwise closed hand in the shape of a “V”), palm facing in and fingers pointing diagonally up, is held just in front of or touching the mouth. The hand may move forward slightly.
491The act of smoking a cigarette.
492The hand holds an imaginary cigarette between its index and middle fingers as a person smokes it. A cigarette is a rolled paper filled with dried tobacco that is lit and smoked. Tobacco is a leafy plant containing nicotine whose leaves may be dried and smoked in cigarettes, cigars, and pipes.
493The pointing-hand (the index finger is extended from an otherwise closed hand), palm facing down and finger pointing forward, initially is held in front of the body at chest level. The hand then draws a vertical circle.
494The act of drawing the round shape of a circle.
495The index finger traces or draws the round shape of a circle. A circle is a loop or perfectly round geometric figure. The circumference of a circle is a measurement of the distance around the circle’s perimeter. The circumference is calculated by multiplying twice the radius of the circle by the value of pi (C = 2πr).
496The tips of the index and middle fingers of H-hands (the index and middle fingers are together and extended from otherwise closed hands), palms facing each other and to opposite sides and fingers pointing diagonally up to opposite sides, initially touch in front of one side of the body near shoulder level. The hands then arc down and away from each other. The action is repeated a couple of times as the hands move to be in front of the other side of the body.
497The act of drawing three peaks of a large circus tent.
498The index and middle fingers outline or draw the approximate shape of the peaks of a large, three-ring circus tent. A circus is a traveling group of performers and entertainers who often work with animals. A circus typically erects a large tent under which main events take place in different areas or rings.
CLEAN

Synonyms: Antiseptic, Disinfected, Germ-Free, Hygienic, Pure, Sanitary, Spotless, Sterile, Tidy Up, Uncontaminated, Wipe
499The active flat-hand (the hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palm facing down and fingers pointing diagonally forward, initially rests on the base of the upturned palm of the stationary flat-hand, fingers pointing diagonally forward to the opposite side. Both hands are in front of the body at lower chest level. The active hand then slides down the stationary palm and fingers.
500The act of cleaning or wiping dirt off a surface.
501The active hand represents a cloth, rag, or sponge that is used to wipe off or clean a surface (represented by the stationary hand). To clean means to remove dirt or germs from something. Sterile means that something has been disinfected or is germ-free, hygienic, sanitary, or uncontaminated.
502The tip of the thumb of the active fist (the hand forms a fist), palm facing down and knuckles pointing forward with the thumb extended and pointing to the side, initially touches the tip of a finger on the stationary spread- or 5-hand (the hand is flat with fingers spread apart and extended), palm facing down and fingers pointing diagonally forward. Both hands are in front of the body at lower chest level. The tip of the active thumb then slides along the tip of the stationary finger. The action is repeated on one or more stationary fingers.
503The act of cleaning one’s fingernails.
504The thumb of the active hand represents the tip of a nail file that is used to clean out dirt or debris from underneath a person’s fingernails (the hard protective coating on top of the ends of each finger). A manicure is the process of cleaning and grooming a person’s fingernails.
505C-hands (the fingers are together and curved, with the thumbs opposite the fingers), palms facing out and fingers pointing mostly up, initially are held several inches apart in front of the body at chest level. The hands then alternately arc up until they are above the head.
506The act of climbing a ladder.
507The hands alternately grasp the rungs of an imaginary ladder as a person climbs up the ladder. To climb means to move from a lower level to a higher level. A ladder typically is a moveable, vertical structure with cross pieces (rungs) on which one may step and climb up to access high places. Ladders may also be used to descend or access low places.
508The tips of the index finger and thumb of the active baby O-hand (the index finger and thumb are curved and touch at their tips from an otherwise closed hand), palm facing in and knuckles pointing diagonally forward and down, pinch the tips of the thumb and then two others fingers of the stationary spread- or 5-hand (the hand is flat with fingers spread apart and extended), palm facing down and fingers pointing diagonally forward to the opposite side. Both hands are in front of the body at lower chest level.
509The act of cutting or clipping one’s fingernails.
510The index finger and thumb of the active hand represent a nail clipper that is used to cut or trim the fingernails on the stationary hand. A person may clip his or her nails when they have grown too long or when they have broken. A nail clipper is a small device with pincers that cut through fingernails.
511Flat-hands (each hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palms facing in and fingers pointing at each other and to opposite sides, initially are held a few inches apart in front of the body at chest level. The hands then move toward each other until the tips of the fingers touch. (To indicate the meaning Sliding Doors, repeat the sign.)
512The act of two doors closing or being shut.
513Each hand represents one side of a pair of sliding doors. Initially, the doors are open (with space in between them), but then they close as the hands come together or touch. To close means to shut or seal something so that it is no longer open. Sliding doors are doors that open by sliding apart to opposite sides and that close by reversing this action.
CLOTHES

Synonyms: Apparel, Attire, Clothing, Dressed, Garments, Outfit (clothes), Pajamas, Suit, Uniform, Wardrobe (clothing), Wear (clothes)
514Flat-hands (each hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palms facing in and fingers pointing at each other and to opposite sides, initially rest on the upper chest. The hands then slide down the body to the upper thighs, rotating so that the fingers point down.
515The act of smoothing out the clothes that one is wearing.
516The hands touch and smooth out the wrinkles in a person’s clothing. Clothes are the apparel, attire, garments, or wardrobe (shirts, slacks, dresses, etc.) that a person wears to cover parts of his or her body. A uniform is a common outfit that is worn by employees while working or by students at certain schools.
517Spread curved-hands (the fingers are spread apart and curved), palms facing up and fingers pointing mostly back, initially are held above the head. The hands then make small horizontal circles. The action may be repeated.
518The act of clouds moving in the sky above.
519The hands represent clouds rolling by or floating in the sky (represented by the location above head level). Clouds are visible groupings of gas, dust, and water vapor in the atmosphere. Clouds are the source of rain, sleet, and snow. Overcast refers to a cloudy day or a day in which clouds fill much of the sky and block out a considerable amount of the sun’s light.
520The claw-hand (the fingers are spread apart and bent), palm facing in and knuckles pointing diagonally up, is placed over the nose with the fingers on one side and the thumb on the other.
521The hand resembles the large nose of a clown.
522The hand represents the large, round, red nose seen on many clowns. Clowns are comedic entertainers who dress up in colorful garments and often wear large, fake noses. Clowns frequently perform at birthday parties for young children and at circuses, fairs, festivals, and other public events.
523Fists (each hand forms a fist), palms facing in and knuckles pointing diagonally up to opposite sides, initially are held on or near the shoulders. The fists then slide diagonally down to the center of the chest, ending with the knuckles pointing at each other and to opposite sides.
524The act of putting on a coat or jacket.
525The fists grasp the edges of an imaginary coat or jacket and then slide it over a person’s shoulders and upper body. A coat or jacket is an outerwear garment (mostly for the upper body) that helps provide warmth and/or protection from the weather. A robe typically is a long housecoat worn over one’s pajamas or sleeping clothes while relaxing at home.
526The tips of the index and middle fingers of the H-hand (the index and middle fingers are together and extended from an otherwise closed hand), palm facing to the side and fingers pointing up, are bent slightly as they touch the side of the head just above and behind the ear.
527The act of showing the location of one’s cochlear implant.
528The tips of the index and middle fingers indicate the approximate location of a cochlear implant. A cochlear implant is a hearing device inserted behind the ear that allows a person with a hearing impairment to better detect sounds.
529Fists (each hand forms a fist), palms facing in and knuckles pointing to opposite sides, initially are held one on top of the other in front of the body at chest level. The upper, active fist then makes small horizontal circles on top of the lower, stationary fist.
530The act of grinding up coffee beans.
531The active fist represents the handle of an old-fashioned coffee grinder that is turned to pulverize coffee beans and deposit the resulting powder into a cup or receptacle (represented by the stationary fist). Coffee is a brewed, caffeinated drink typically served hot. A coffee maker is a kitchen device that brews and prepares coffee.
532The index finger and thumb of the fist (the hand forms a fist), palm facing in and knuckles pointing diagonally up, are bent slightly as they touch the ridge of the nose. The hand then slides down the nose a couple of times.
533The act of a person with a cold wiping his or her nose.
534The hand grasps an imaginary tissue and then uses it to wipe a person’s runny nose. A person suffering from environmental allergies (hay fever) or a cold virus often has the sniffles or a runny nose. A common cold typically is ill health brought about by a virus in the upper respiratory tract.
COLD (TEMPERATURE)

Synonyms: Air Conditioning, Brrrr!, Chills, Chilly, Cool, Freezing (cold), Hypothermia, Shiver, Winter
535Fists (each hand forms a fist), palms facing in and knuckles pointing at each other and to opposite sides, initially are held just in front of the chest. The fists then vibrate slightly several times.
536The act of a person shivering because he or she feels cold.
537Cold or low temperatures often cause an inadequately dressed person to be uncomfortable and to shiver or have chills. Winter is the season of cold and snowy weather. Hypothermia is a medical condition in which a person’s body temperature drops to a dangerously low level. An air conditioner is a machine that cools the air inside of a vehicle or building during hot weather.
COLLAPSE

Synonyms: Demolish, Demolition, Destroy, Destruction, Fall Down (structure), Raze (a building), Reduce to Rubble, Ruins
538The tips of the fingers of flat-hands (each hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palms facing each other and to opposite sides and fingers pointing diagonally up, initially touch in front of the body at upper chest level. The fingers then bend down until the knuckles and the backs of the fingers touch and the palms and fingers point down.
539The act of a building collapsing or falling down.
540The hands represent the roof and sides of a building or other structure. Initially, the building is upright, but then it collapses or falls down into a pile of rubble (represented by the final position). To collapse means to cave in, give way, or fall down. Demolition is the process of knocking down, destroying, or getting rid of unwanted or failing structures.
541The tips of the index finger and thumb of the baby O-hand (the index finger and thumb are curved and touch at their tips from an otherwise closed hand), palm facing in and knuckles pointing diagonally up, initially grasp the front of the shirt collar. The hand then pulls gently forward. The action may be repeated.
542The act of pulling on the front of one’s shirt collar.
543The fingers grasp or show the location of the collar on a person’s shirt. A collar typically is a folded-down piece of material at the top of a shirt or the sewn area of a garment around or near a person’s neck.
544The V-hand (the index and middle fingers are spread apart and extended from an otherwise closed hand in the shape of a “V”), palm facing in and fingers pointing up to the eyes, initially is held just in front of the face. The hand then arcs down and back, rotating so that the palm faces diagonally up and the fingers are close to and pointing to the buttocks.
545The act of looking at one’s colon or large intestine.
546The tips of the index and middle fingers represent a person’s eyes or the lens of a camera while examining the colon (represented by the final position). A colonoscopy is a medical procedure in which a tube with a camera is inserted into a person’s anus and large intestine to search for physical abnormalities.
547The tips of the fingers of the claw-hand (the fingers are spread apart and bent), palm facing to the side and knuckles pointing diagonally up, initially touch the hair near the top of the head. The hand then moves a short distance down the hair and side of the head. The action is repeated.
548The act of combing one’s hair.
549The fingers represent the teeth on a comb or hair pick. A comb or hair pick is a device, typically made of plastic, wood, or metal, that is used to untangle or smooth out a person’s hair.
550The flat-hand (the hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palm facing in and fingers pointing diagonally up and forward, initially is held about eighteen inches in front of the body at shoulder level. The hand then arcs in toward the body.
551The act of beckoning someone to come closer.
552The hand is used to summon, beckon, or gesturally request that someone at another location (represented by the initial position) come close to the signer’s location (represented by the final position). Come means to approach or move toward a person. This sign may also be used in the process of directing traffic to indicate that a vehicle may proceed.
553The active spread curved-hand (the fingers are spread apart and curved), palm facing in and fingers pointing mostly diagonally up, initially rests on the stationary (opposite) shoulder and upper arm. The active hand then rubs up and down slightly.
554The act of soothing or comforting someone using touch.
555When an individual is in distress, another person may soothe, comfort, or console him or her by touching, caressing, stroking, or rubbing that person’s shoulder or upper arm. To comfort means to console or provide assistance, solace, and support to someone.
COMMAND

Synonyms: Compulsory, Have To, Mandatory, Must, Necessary, Obey, Obligatory, Order (command), Required, Should
556The pointing-hand (the index finger is extended from an otherwise closed hand), palm facing diagonally out and finger pointing up, initially is held to the side of the head. The hand then forcefully moves diagonally down to waist level near the center of the body, ending with the palm facing down and finger pointing diagonally forward and down.
557The act of giving a forceful command that one must obey.
558A person may forcefully point or gesture with his or her arm and hand while using a position of authority to command or order someone to act. If you must do something, then you are required to obey and should do it. A command is an order to perform a task or do something.
COMPARE

Synonyms: Analogy (comparison), Comparison, Contrast (compare), Juxtapose, Juxtaposition, Liken (compare), Simile
559C-hands (the fingers are together and curved, with the thumbs opposite the fingers), palms facing each other and to opposite sides and fingers pointing mostly up, initially are held about a foot apart in front of the body at chest level. The hands then alternately move up and down a few inches.
560The act of comparing two different objects.
561A person holds an imaginary item in each hand and then compares and contrasts their features (represented by the movement up and down). A careful examination of the items may reveal their benefits and shortcomings. A comparison involves an examination of two or more things to determine their similarities and differences.
562The tips of the fingers and thumb of the claw-hand (the fingers are spread apart and bent), palm facing in and knuckles pointing to the side, initially touch the chest. The hand then arcs up slightly. The action is repeated. A frown or unhappy facial expression is appropriate.
563The act of complaining or griping about something.
564The hand represents the guttural sound of displeasure that a person often makes when grumbling or complaining about something. A complaint or objection is a grievance or an expression of dissatisfaction, discontentment, or unhappiness.
COMPUTER

Synonyms: Code (programming), Computer Science, Email, Internet, Keyboard (computer), Programming (computer), Secretary, Technology, Terminal (computer), Type, Typewriter
565Claw-hands (the fingers are spread apart and bent), palms facing down and knuckles pointing forward, initially are held next to each other in front of the body at lower chest level. The fingers then wiggle.
566The act of typing on a computer’s keyboard.
567The movement of the fingers represents a person typing on the keyboard of a computer or typewriter. A computer is an electronic device often used for composing emails, letters, or other documents and for accessing the internet. A keyboard typically is a rectangular board with an arrangement of alphanumeric and function keys.
CONCENTRATE

Synonyms: Attention, Blinders, Block Out, Concentration, Focus, Look Straight Ahead, Pay Attention, Tunnel Vision
568Flat-hands (each hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palms facing each other and to opposite sides and fingers pointing up, initially are held to the sides of the face. The hands then move straight forward about six inches.
569The act of concentrating or focusing one’s attention.
570A person who is trying to concentrate or focus may look straight ahead while blocking everything else out with his or her hands. To concentrate means to focus one’s attention on a particular objective. Blinders are small pieces of material that are placed on the sides of a horse’s bridle (by the eyes) to prevent a horse from being distracted.
571The fist (the hand forms a fist), palm facing down and knuckles pointing to the side, initially is held to one side of the head. The fist then gently taps the side of the head.
572The act of receiving a concussion or head injury.
573The fist represents a blow to the side of a person’s head that may cause a skull fracture or injury to the brain. A concussion is a brain injury often caused by head trauma that results in headaches, memory problems, difficulty concentrating, or issues with balance and coordination.
CONFESS

Synonyms: Admit (confess), Come Clean, Confession, Disclosure (confession), Divulge (confess), Express, Get Off One’s Chest, Open Up About Oneself, Plead Guilty
574Spread- or 5-hands (each hand is flat with fingers spread apart and extended), palms facing in and fingers pointing at each other and to opposite sides, initially rest on the chest. The hands then arc forward and about a foot apart, rotating to end with palms facing up and fingers pointing forward.
575The act of confessing or getting something off one’s chest.
576The hands represent an ethical or moral burden that initially puts weight on a person’s chest and over his or her heart (which represents the center of a person’s feelings). The weight is then lifted and placed out in the open (represented by the final position) as a person comes clean and confesses. A confession is an expression or admission of guilt.
CONFUSED

Synonyms: Addlepated, Baffled, Bamboozled, Befuddled, Bemused, Bewildered, Confusion, Dazed, Discombobulated, Disoriented, Flummoxed, Mixed-Up, Mystified, Perplexed
577Spread curved-hands (the fingers are spread apart and curved), palms facing diagonally in and fingers pointing mostly diagonally up to opposite sides, initially are held near the temples (the sides of the forehead). The hands then make small, alternating, vertical circles. A confused or dazed facial expression is appropriate.
578The act of one’s mind being confused or mixed up.
579The fingers represent ideas or thoughts that are mixed up inside a person’s head, often resulting in confusion or disorientation. A person who is bewildered, confused, or disoriented may not know where he or she is or what is happening.
580The upper fist (the hand forms a fist), palm facing in and knuckles pointing to the side, initially grasps the extended thumb of the lower flat-hand (the hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palm facing in and fingers pointing to the opposite side. Both hands are in front of the body at chest level. The hands then move slightly up and down as the lower hand struggles to move down. A frown or unhappy facial expression is appropriate.
581The act of being constipated or unable to expel solid waste from one’s rectum.
582The lower hand and thumb represent solid waste that is stuck in the large intestine and rectum (represented by the upper fist) and cannot be passed or expelled. A person who is constipated has difficulty eliminating solid waste or fecal matter from his or her body. Related to the sign for Bowel Movement.
583The tip of the index finger of the active pointing-hand (the index finger is extended from an otherwise closed hand), palm facing down and finger pointing diagonally forward, initially touches the upturned palm of the stationary curved-hand (the fingers and thumb are together and curved), fingers pointing mostly diagonally forward to the opposite side. Both hands are in front of the body at chest level. The active hand then arcs up until the tip of the index finger touches or nearly touches the face near one eye, rotating to end with palm facing in and finger pointing diagonally up.
584The act of putting a contact lens in one’s eye.
585The tip of the index finger of the active hand touches and picks up an imaginary contact lens from a container (represented by the stationary hand) and then puts it in a person’s eye. Contacts are small plastic lenses worn on the front of a person’s eyeballs. Contacts help to correct a person’s vision and allow him or her to see more clearly.
CONTINUE

Synonyms: Always, Constant, Continual, Continuous, Cycle, Ongoing, Perpetual, Persistence, Persistent, Tumbleweed
586The pointing-hand (the index finger is extended from an otherwise closed hand), palm facing down and finger pointing forward, initially is held in front of the body at chest level. The hand then makes several vertical circles as it moves out to the side.
587The act of continuing or keeping the same motion going.
588The path of the index finger represents a continuous circle that keeps rolling along and does not stop. To continue means to persist or keep an action going. Always means that something exists for all time and has no end. A tumbleweed is a mass of dried plant material that may be blown around by the wind in desert climates.
CONVERSATION

Synonyms: Communicate, Communication, Confer (discuss), Consult, Converse, Dialogue, Discuss, Discussion, Interlocutor
589Tapered- or O-hands (the fingers are together and curved, with the finger tips touching the thumb tips), palms facing each other and to opposite sides and knuckles pointing up, initially are held to the sides of the jaw. The hands then open into C-hands (the fingers are together and curved, with the thumbs opposite the fingers), palms facing each other and to opposite sides and fingers pointing mostly up. The action is repeated several times. (Alternatively, one may start the sign with C-hands.)
590The act of two mouths opening and closing during a conversation.
591The fingers represent a person’s upper lip and mouth and the thumb represents a person’s lower lip and jaw. The O-hand represents a closed mouth and the C-hand represents an open mouth. The hands open and close while two people converse or have a discussion. When people communicate or have a conversation, they often informally exchange ideas and thoughts on a topic through words (or signs).
592The active claw-hand (the fingers are spread apart and bent), palm facing down and knuckles pointing diagonally forward, initially is held slightly above the stationary hand, palm facing down. Both hands are in front of the body at chest level. The active hand then moves down until the tips of the fingers and thumb touch the back of the stationary hand.
593The act of using a cookie cutter to shape a cookie or biscuit.
594The active hand represents a cookie cutter that is used to cut shapes into cookie dough or bread dough (represented by the stationary hand). A cookie is a relatively thin baked sweet often containing flour and sugar. A biscuit typically is a dense, round, salty and buttery piece of bread made with flour and milk; biscuits are often eaten for breakfast.
595Partially closed C-hands (the fingers are together and curved, with the thumbs opposite the fingers), palms and fingers pointing at each other and to opposite sides and knuckles pointing up, initially are held about six inches apart in front of the mouth. The hands then slowly move a few inches from side to side. The action may be repeated. Chewing or opening and closing the mouth are appropriate.
596The act of holding and eating a piece of corn on the cob.
597The hands grasp the ends of an ear of corn on the cob and then move it back and forth as a person eats it. Corn or maize is a yellowish, starchy vegetable composed of kernels that grow together on a cob (a thick stem). Corn is also used to feed livestock in many countries.
598The tips of the fingers of flat-hands (each hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palms facing in and fingers pointing diagonally forward to opposite sides, touch at a 90° angle. Both hands are in front of the body at chest level.
599The act of forming an angle or a corner with one’s hands.
600The hands represent two walls that touch to form a corner or a 90° angle. A corner is the spot where two walls come together. An angle is the measurement of distance (typically in degrees) between two lines or surfaces that connect or intersect.
601The pointing-hand (the index finger is extended from an otherwise closed hand), palm facing down and finger pointing diagonally forward, initially is held in front of the body at chest level. The hand then moves a few inches diagonally down and out to the side and then about a foot diagonally up (and out to the same side), ending with the palm facing out and the index finger pointing diagonally up and out to the side. A smile or happy facial expression is appropriate.
602The act of drawing a check mark to show that an answer is correct.
603The index finger draws a check mark in the air to show that a student has given the right answer. A check mark is a form of punctuation often used by a teacher when grading a student’s work to show that the student’s answer is correct. Something that is correct is accurate or right.
604The fist (the hand forms a fist), palm facing to the side and knuckles pointing diagonally up, initially is held just in front of the upper chest. The fist then moves up slightly toward the mouth as the head bends forward to meet it. Coughing is appropriate.
605The act of covering one’s mouth while coughing.
606When a sick person coughs, he or she may cover his or her mouth with a hand to prevent germs from spreading. Also, when a person chokes on food, he or she may cough in an attempt to dislodge the material stuck in his or her throat. A cough is a short, forceful, voluntary or involuntary exhalation of air from the lungs. Croup (also known as laryngotracheobronchitis) and whooping cough (also known as pertussis) are both infections of the airway that are common in children and are associated with prolonged episodes of coughing.
607The tips of the thumbs of horns-hands (the little fingers and thumbs are extended from otherwise closed hands), palms facing out and knuckles pointing up, touch the temples (the sides of the forehead). (This sign can also be made without the little fingers extended.)
608The hands resemble the horns of a cow.
609The hands represent the approximate shape of the horns located on the sides of a cow’s head. A cow is a bovine animal often raised as livestock on farms for its milk or meat. Multiple cows or groups of cows are often referred to as cattle. A cow’s meat is known as beef.
610The fingers of flat-hands (each hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palms facing down and fingers pointing diagonally forward to opposite sides, initially are held on top of each other in front of the body at chest level. The hands then move down and back up. The action is repeated.
611The act of doing chest compressions or CPR.
612The movement of the hands represents the performance of chest compressions or CPR (pressing down on a person’s chest to pump blood through the heart and body). Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a life-saving technique for keeping oxygen flowing throughout the body to vital organs after a person has suffered a heart attack.
CRAMPED

Synonyms: Boxed In, Budget Section, Coach (travel), Confined, Crowded, Economy Class, Enclosed (in a small space), Sardines, Squeezed Together
613Flat-hands (each hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palms facing each other and to opposite sides and fingers pointing down, initially are held straight down at the sides of the legs. The hands then press tightly against the legs. Pressing one’s lips together is appropriate.
614The act of being cramped or squeezed into a very tight space.
615If a person is cramped or boxed in, he or she is confined to a small or limited space. In economy class (the budget or coach section of a mode of transportation), the passengers may be crowded or squeezed together. This sign may also be used to refer to sardines (small, oily fish that are typically sold packaged tightly together in tin cans).
616Fists (each hand forms a fist), palms facing in and knuckles pointing at each other and to opposite sides, initially are held in front of the sides of the body at lower chest level. The fists then arc up and toward each other, touch at the knuckles, and then arc up and away to opposite sides.
617The act of two vehicles crashing into each other.
618The fists represent two objects or vehicles initially on the same course (represented by the initial position), then colliding or crashing into one another (represented by the intermediate position), and then being pushed off course in different directions (represented by the final position). A vehicular accident is an unplanned impact or collision of a vehicle with another object. To crash means to collide with the ground, another vehicle, or an object.
619The pointing-hand (the index finger is extended from an otherwise closed hand), palm facing down and finger pointing to the side, initially is held next to the head. The hand then makes a few vertical circles. A look of bewilderment is appropriate.
620The act of showing that a crazy person’s head is turned upside down or mixed-up.
621The movement of the index finger indicates or shows that a person’s head is mixed-up, out of order, or turned upside down. A crazy or insane person may not be able to think clearly or tell the difference between reality and fantasy. Persons with mental disorders may be confined in a mental asylum or sanitarium for their safety and well-being.
CREDIT CARD

Synonyms: Charge Account, Charge Card, Credit Card Machine, Credit Card Number, Debit Card, Imprint (credit card)
622The active fist (the hand forms a fist), palm facing down and knuckles pointing diagonally forward, initially rests on the back of the wrist of the stationary flat-hand (the hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palm facing down and fingers pointing diagonally forward to the opposite side. Both hands are in front of the body at lower chest level. The active fist then slides forward along the back of the stationary hand and fingers and then returns to its original position.
623The act of swiping a credit card or debit card through an automatic reader.
624The active fist represents a charge card as it slides through an automatic card reader (represented by the stationary hand). This sign may also represent the fist grasping the moveable top of an older manual credit card machine (represented by the stationary hand) and then sliding the handle forward and back to make an imprint of a credit card number onto a piece of carbon paper. A credit card is a plastic card that is used to charge purchases to a person’s account. A debit card is a plastic card that is used to automatically deduct the cost of purchases from a person’s bank account.
625The tips of the fingers and thumbs of claw-hands (the fingers are spread apart and bent), one palm facing down and one palm facing up and knuckles pointing forward, initially touch in front of the body at chest level with the arms extended forward. The hands then vertically move about six inches apart and then back together. The action may be repeated.
626The act of a crocodile opening and closing its large mouth.
627The hands represent the large jaws and the fingers represent the multiple teeth of a crocodile or alligator as it opens and closes its mouth. A crocodile or alligator is a large amphibious reptile with a long body, relatively short legs, a long snout, and many sharp teeth. Crocodiles and alligators often live in or near bodies of water in warm, tropical climates.
628The flat-hand (the hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palm facing to the side and fingers pointing forward, initially is held just in front of one side of the body. The wrist then bends and straightens as the hand zigzags forward.
629The act of following a crooked path.
630The hand follows or shows the indirect path of a crooked or jagged line. Crooked or jagged means that something is irregular, not straight, or does not have smooth edges. Jagged is a term often used to refer to pieces of broken glass (such as shards of glass from a broken mirror).
631Spread- or 5-hands (each hand is flat with fingers spread apart and extended), palms facing each other and to opposite sides and fingers pointing up, initially are held just above the sides of the head. The hands then slide down until the bases of the hands touch the top of the ears.
632The act of putting a crown or tiara on a person’s head.
633The hands represent the sides of a crown and the fingers represent its high points as the crown is placed on a person’s head. A crown is a decorative, jeweled headpiece often made of precious metal. Crowns are typically worn by royalty (kings, queens, princes, princesses) on special occasions. A crown or tiara may also be awarded to the winner of a beauty pageant.
634Spread- or 5-hands (each hand is flat with fingers spread apart and extended), palms touching with one facing up and the other facing down and fingers pointing diagonally forward to opposite sides, initially are firmly pressed together. Both hands are in front of the body at lower chest level. The hands then twist back and forth a couple of times.
635The act of crushing something between one’s hands.
636The hands are pressed together as they crush an imaginary object flat. To crush means to smash, squash, or press something together until it is flattened or mostly flattened.
637Fists (each hand forms a fist), palms facing each other and to opposite sides and knuckles pointing down, initially are held at the sides of the body near waist level. Each arm is bent at the elbow. The hands may then move slightly up and down or slightly forward.
638The act of using crutches to support oneself.
639The fists grasp and hold the handles of a pair of imaginary crutches. Crutches are tall, wooden or metal devices with padded tops that fit under a person’s armpits. Crutches help to support the weight of an injured person’s body while standing or walking. Crutches are often used by someone who has a broken or injured leg, knee, ankle, or foot.
640The tip of the index finger of the pointing-hand (the index finger is extended from an otherwise closed hand), palm facing in and finger pointing diagonally up, initially touches the face near the corner of one eye. The finger then slides a short distance down the cheek. The action may be repeated. A frown or unhappy facial expression is appropriate.
641The act of a tear rolling down one’s cheek while crying.
642The tip of the index finger represents a tear streaming out of a person’s eye and rolling down his or her cheek while crying. To cry or weep means to produce tears (a salty, clear liquid) from the tear ducts in the eyes. Crying and tears often are an indication of mourning or great sadness.
643The tip of the index finger of the pointing-hand (the index finger is extended from an otherwise closed hand), palm facing to the side and finger pointing diagonally up, initially touches the temple (the side of the forehead). The hand then twirls diagonally down about six inches.
644The act of tracing the length of a strand of curly hair.
645The index finger represents a long strand of hair that is twisted or curly (represented by the movement). A curl is a portion of hair that is coiled or wavy. A curling iron is a device with a rod or brush that grasps a section of hair, rolls the hair, and then heats it until the hair is curled. A permanent is a hair treatment in which chemicals and rollers are applied to a person’s hair to create long-lasting curls.
646C-hands (the fingers are together and curved, with the thumbs opposite the fingers), palms facing out and fingers pointing mostly out to the sides, initially are held in front of the sides of the body near eye level. The hands then move down about two feet.
647The act of showing the length of a pair of curtains or drapes.
648The hands represent curtains or drapes hanging at the sides of an imaginary window (represented by the body). Curtains or drapes are large pieces or panels of fabric that are used as decorative coverings for windows. Curtains or drapes are typically used to block or reduce the amount of sunlight in a room or to protect a person’s privacy.
649The thumb of the active fist (the hand forms a fist), palm facing down and knuckles pointing to the side with the thumb extended and pointing in and diagonally down, initially is held just above the stationary forearm, palm facing down. Both hands are in front of the body at lower chest level. The fist then moves diagonally forward and down as the tip of the thumb grazes the stationary forearm.
650The act of getting a cut on one’s forearm.
651The thumb of the active hand represents a sharp object or knife that makes a small cut, gash, or laceration on a person’s stationary forearm. A cut is a wound or injury that penetrates a person’s skin and causes bleeding.
652The active V-hand (the index and middle fingers are spread apart and extended from an otherwise closed hand in the shape of a “V”), palm and fingers pointing down and knuckles pointing diagonally forward, initially is held just over the upturned palm and fingers of the stationary flat-hand (the hand is flat with fingers together and extended), fingers pointing diagonally forward to the opposite side. Both hands are in front of the body at lower chest level. The active hand then swings back and forth over the stationary palm.
653The act of swaying back and forth while dancing.
654The index and middle fingers of the active hand represent the moving legs of a person as he or she dances on a floor or flat surface (represented by the stationary hand). Dance involves the rhythmic movement or swaying of the body and legs, typically to music. A prom is a special dance for high school students (usually juniors and seniors).
655Spread- or 5-hands (each hand is flat with fingers spread apart and extended), palms facing diagonally out and fingers pointing up, initially are held in front of one side of the body at shoulder level. The signer’s body and face should lean away to the opposite side. An open mouth and a scared or fearful facial expression are appropriate.
656The act of using one’s hands to protect oneself from danger.
657When a person is in danger, he or she may raise both hands in a defensive position in front of the face and upper body in an attempt to ward off a blow. Dangerous means that something is hazardous, perilous, or unsafe. A person may cry “Watch out!” to warn someone else of immediate danger or of a threatening situation.
DAY

Synonyms: Daytime, Diurnal (activity), Twenty-Four Hours
Antonyms: Night, Nighttime, Nocturnal, Tonight
658The active flat-hand (the hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palm facing down and fingers pointing to the side, initially rests on top of the elbow of the stationary arm, palm facing down and fingers pointing to the opposite side. Both hands are in front of the body at lower chest level. The active hand then arcs up to just above shoulder level as the palm rotates out and fingers point up. (To indicate the meanings Night, Nighttime, Nocturnal, or Tonight, reverse the action of the sign.)
659The act of the sun rising in the sky during the day.
660The active hand represents the path or course of the sun as it rises above the horizon (represented by the stationary forearm). Day is the time between dawn (sunrise) and dusk (sunset). A day may also refer to a twenty-four-hour time period. Diurnal is used to describe animals that are active during the day or flowers that bloom during the day.
661The palm of the flat-hand (the hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palm facing to the side and fingers pointing up, covers the ear.
662The act of covering one’s ear to show that one is deaf.
663The hand covers the ear to show that little to no sound is able to enter the ear and be heard. Someone who is deaf or has a hearing impairment is unable to hear or has a decreased ability to hear sounds. People who are deaf often communicate through the use of signs.
664The active flat-hand (the hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palm facing down and fingers pointing to the side, initially rests against the bottom of the stationary flat-hand, palm facing down and fingers pointing to the opposite side. Both hands are in front of the body near upper chest level. The lower, active hand then moves down about twelve to eighteen inches.
665The act of showing how deep something is.
666The active hand shows the depth of something located beneath the surface of a body of water or below the surface of the ground (represented by the stationary hand and forearm). Deep means that something is far below the surface. Depth is a measurement of vertical extension beneath a surface.
667The tips of the thumbs of spread- or 5-hands (each hand is flat with fingers spread apart and extended), palms facing out and fingers pointing up, touch the temples (the sides of the forehead).
668The hands and fingers resemble a deer’s antlers.
669The hands and fingers represent the antlers of a deer or moose. Members of the deer family (deer, elk, moose, caribou, and reindeer) often are brown in color, with the males typically having antlers. Antlers are bony, skin-covered projections from the sides of the head; unlike horns, antlers may be shed and regrown.
670The flat-hand (the hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palm facing in and fingers pointing to the side, initially rests on the stomach. The hand then makes a few small circles. A smile or happy facial expression is appropriate.
671The act of rubbing one’s stomach after a delicious meal.
672When a person enjoys or is satisfied with a meal, he or she may rub his or her stomach in appreciation of how delicious or tasty the food was. Something that is delicious tastes very good or is extremely pleasant or appealing.
DENTURES

Synonyms: Bit (bridle), Bridge (dental), Bridle, False Teeth, Mouthpiece (dental), Retainer (dental)
673The index finger and thumb of the L-hand (the index finger and thumb are extended from an otherwise closed hand and form a right angle), palm and fingers pointing in and knuckles pointing to the side, initially are bent slightly as the hand is held a few inches in front of the lower face. The hand then moves toward the open mouth.
674The act of putting dentures or a retainer in one’s mouth.
675The index finger and thumb represent a set of dentures or a retainer that is put in a person’s mouth. Dentures and dental bridges are sets of artificial or false teeth. A retainer or mouthpiece is a dental device that helps to straighten or keep teeth in alignment. The index finger and thumb may also represent the bit (the metal bar inserted into a horse’s mouth) of a bridle. A bridle is a leather headpiece with reins attached to it that are used to control a horse while riding.
DEPRESSION (CLINICAL)

Synonyms: Depressed, Despondent, Gloomy (melancholy), Glum, Melancholy, Morose, Withdrawn
676The tips of the fingers of spread- or 5-hands (each hand is flat with fingers spread apart and extended), palms facing diagonally in and fingers pointing up, touch the temples (the sides of the forehead) as the head tilts forward and down. A frown or unhappy facial expression is appropriate.
677The act of experiencing negative or depressing thoughts.
678When a person feels depressed or despondent, that person may put his or her head in his or her hands and withdraw from others. A clinically depressed person often is inactive, glum, melancholic, or in very low spirits. Such a person may be withdrawn, have difficulty concentrating, be unable to act, and appear to be without hope.
679The edge of the tip of the index finger of the active pointing-hand (the index finger is extended from an otherwise closed hand), palm and finger pointing down and knuckles pointing forward, initially touches the edge of the index finger of the stationary flat-hand (the hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palm facing down and fingers pointing forward. Both hands are in front of the body at chest level. The active hand then moves straight down about six to nine inches.
680The act of someone or something descending or going straight down.
681The index finger of the active hand represents an object as it descends or moves straight down from its current location (represented by the initial position) to a lower location (represented by the final position). To descend means to go down or move to a lower point or level.
DEVIL

Synonyms: Demon, Evil, Hateful, Horns (devil), Immoral (wicked), Malevolent, Malicious, Nefarious, Reprobate, Satan, Villain, Wicked
682The lower edges of the index fingers of pointing-hands (the index fingers are extended from otherwise closed hands), palms facing out and fingers pointing up, rest on the temples (the sides of the forehead). A fierce or mean facial expression is appropriate.
683The act of showing the horns of a devil or evil person.
684The index fingers represent the horns of a devil. A devil is a demon, evil spirit, or very wicked, immoral, hateful, or malevolent person. In art, devils and demons are often depicted as having horns growing out of the sides of their foreheads.
DIABETES

Synonyms: Blood-Glucose Monitoring, Blood-Glucose Level, Blood-Sugar Level, Blood-Sugar Test, Lancet, Pin Prick, Prick One’s Finger
685The index finger of the active pointing-hand (the index finger is extended from an otherwise closed hand), palm facing down and finger pointing diagonally forward, is bent slightly as it is initially held an inch or two above the index finger of the stationary pointing-hand, palm facing up and finger pointing diagonally forward to the opposite side. Both hands are in front of the body at chest level. The tip of the active index finger then quickly arcs down to touch the tip of the stationary index finger and then arcs back up to its original position.
686The act of a person with diabetes pricking his finger to obtain a small blood sample.
687The index finger of the active hand represents the tip of a needle or lancet that is used by a person with diabetes to prick his or her stationary finger for a drop of blood. Diabetes is a medical condition associated with excessive amounts of sugar in the blood and urine. People with diabetes often check their blood-sugar or blood-glucose levels by taking a sample of blood and inserting it into a medical device that provides their test results.
688The tips of the thumbs of L-hands (the index fingers and thumbs are extended from otherwise closed hands and form right angles), palms facing down and index fingers pointing forward with the thumbs pointing at each other and to opposite sides, initially touch the sides of the waist. The L-hands then close into baby O-hands (the index fingers and thumbs are curved and touch at their tips from otherwise closed hands), palms facing down and knuckles pointing forward.
689The act of closing the sides of a diaper.
690The index fingers and thumbs represent safety pins or Velcro strips on the sides of a diaper. Initially, the safety pins are open, but then they are closed and secured (represented by the final position). A safety pin is a small, metal device with a sharp point that can penetrate and hold layers of fabric together. A diaper typically is a folded and/or padded cloth worn between an infant’s legs to absorb urine and waste.
691The back of the active fist (the hand forms a fist), palm facing down and knuckles pointing diagonally forward, initially rests against the downturned palm of the stationary flat-hand (the hand is flat with fingers together and extended), fingers pointing diagonally forward to the opposite side. Both hands are in front of the body at lower chest level. The active fist then moves down about six to nine inches as it opens into a spread- or 5-hand (the hand is flat with fingers spread apart and extended), palm facing down and fingers pointing diagonally forward. The action is repeated. A frown or unhappy facial expression is appropriate.
692The act of having diarrhea or loose stool.
693The active hand represents loose droppings or feces repeatedly coming out of a person’s or animal’s buttocks (represented by the stationary hand) as he or she suffers diarrhea. Diarrhea is a medical condition in which someone experiences abnormally frequent and loose, watery stools. Related to the signs for Bowel Movement and Constipated.
694Flat-hands (each hand is flat with fingers together and extended), right palm facing down and left palm facing up and fingers pointing forward, initially are held about six inches apart in front of the body at lower chest level. The hands then flip so that the right palm faces up and the left palm faces down.
695The act of passing from life unto death.
696The movement of the hands represents a person passing from life and the land of the living (represented by the initial position) over to death and the other side (represented by the final position). To die means to pass away, expire, perish, succumb, or cease to live.
697The tips of the index finger and thumb of the baby O-hand (the index finger and thumb are curved and touch at their tips from an otherwise closed hand), palm facing in and knuckles pointing diagonally up, initially touch the far corner of the mouth. The hand then slides to the other corner of the mouth.
698The act of zipping one’s lips together to show that one is on a diet.
699The tips of the index finger and thumb grip an imaginary zipper and then use it to close or seal a person’s mouth so that no food can enter. A diet often refers to eating less or sparingly. Fasting refers to a person’s commitment to abstain from (or not eat) food during a certain time period.
700Flat-hands (each hand is flat with fingers together and extended), one palm facing up and one palm facing down and fingers pointing forward, are held next to each other in front of the body at lower chest level. The edges of the hands may touch.
701The act of showing that the hands have different orientations.
702The hands have different or dissimilar orientations — one hand faces up and the other hand faces down. Something that is different is unlike something else.
703One fist (the hand forms a fist), palm facing up and knuckles pointing diagonally forward, initially is held about nine inches in front of the other fist, palm facing diagonally in and knuckles pointing diagonally down to the opposite side. Both fists are in front of one side of the body near waist level with the arms bent at the elbows. The fists then swing diagonally forward and down about a foot, and then arc up and diagonally back toward the opposite shoulder.
704The act of digging with a large spade or shovel.
705The fists grasp the long handle of an imaginary shovel or spade and then use the shovel to dig into the ground (represented by the intermediate position below waist level). To dig means to break up and remove or excavate a section of soil or earth. A shovel or spade is a long-handled garden tool with a sturdy, typically metal, head that is used to penetrate the soil.
706The tapered- or O-hand (the fingers are together and curved, with the finger tips touching the thumb tip), palm facing down and knuckles pointing forward, initially is extended forward and diagonally down in front of the body just below waist level. The hand then rotates so that the palm faces in and knuckles point up as the tips of the fingers and thumb move to touch the lips.
707The act of eating a piece of bread with dinner.
708The hand reaches down to grasp a roll or piece of bread sitting on an imaginary table (represented by the location below waist level) and then brings the bread to a person’s mouth. Dinner is the evening meal, the last meal, or the meal eaten at the bottom of the day. Bread is often eaten with dinner. Related to the signs for Breakfast and Lunch. (The hand in this sign reaches out to a lower location than in those signs.)
709The partially closed C-hand (the fingers are together and curved, with the thumb opposite the fingers), palm and fingers pointing forward and knuckles pointing up, initially is held to the side of the head. The hand then arcs up and forward, ending slightly above and in front of the head.
710The act of a dinosaur raising its head and neck.
711The forearm, hand, fingers, and thumb represent a dinosaur’s neck, head, and upper and lower jaws. A dinosaur is an extinct, often very large, reptile that lived millions of years ago. There were many types of dinosaurs, including those that ate meat, plants, or both and those that walked (on two or four legs), flew, or swam in the water or oceans.
712The tapered- or O-hand (the fingers are together and curved, with the finger tips touching the thumb tip), palm facing down and knuckles pointing diagonally forward and out to the side, initially is held in front of and to the side of the body near waist level. The tips of the fingers and thumb then rub each other a few times.
713The act of feeling a small amount of soil or dirt with one’s fingers.
714The fingers grasp and feel a small amount of dirt held in a person’s hand, perhaps to determine whether the soil or ground is good for plants. Dirt often refers to loose earth or soil. Dirt is typically brown in color but may vary greatly in its makeup and composition depending on a number of environmental factors.
DIRTY

Synonyms: Contaminated, Filthy, Germs, Grimy, Gross, Impure, Polluted, Soiled, Tainted, Unclean, Unhygienic, Unsanitary
715The tapered- or O-hand (the fingers are together and curved, with the finger tips touching the thumb tip), palm facing down and knuckles pointing diagonally forward and out to the side, is extended in front of and out to the side of the body at upper chest level. A frown or look of disgust is appropriate.
716The act of holding something dirty away from the body.
717The hand holds something dirty, unclean, or gross away from a person’s body at arm’s length in an attempt to avoid being contaminated by it. Something that is dirty is unclean, soiled, impure, polluted, or unsanitary. Extremely dirty or filthy clothes often have a foul or unpleasant odor.
DISMOUNT

Synonyms: Deplane, Disembark, Get Down (off of something), Get Off Of
Antonyms: Board (a vehicle), Embark, Get On, Mount
718The active V-hand (the index and middle fingers are spread apart and extended from an otherwise closed hand in the shape of a “V”), palm and fingers pointing down and knuckles pointing forward, initially straddles the edge of the stationary flat-hand (the hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palm facing to the side and fingers pointing forward. Both hands are in front of the body at chest level. The active hand then arcs slightly up and then down to the side. (To indicate the meanings Board (a vehicle), Embark, Get On, or Mount, reverse the action of the sign.)
719The act of dismounting or getting off the back of a horse.
720The index and middle fingers of the active hand represent a person’s legs as he or she initially sits on the back of a horse (represented by the stationary hand). The person then dismounts or gets down (represented by the final position). To dismount means to get down from or get off of something, such as the back of a horse or pony. To deplane means to disembark or get off a plane.
721Flat-hands (each hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palms touching and facing to opposite sides and fingers pointing up, initially are held just in front of the body at chest level. The hands then arc up, forward, and down as the upper body bends forward.
722The act of diving into a body of water.
723The position of the hands together in front of the body and the movement of the hands, arms, and upper body resemble a frequently produced dive into a body of water. A dive typically refers to plunging or going into water headfirst. Springboard and platform diving are popular aquatic sports.
DIZZY

Synonyms: Dizziness, Lightheaded, Motion Sickness, Reeling, Seasick(ness), Vertiginous, Vertigo
724Spread- or 5-hands (each hand is flat with fingers spread apart and extended), palms facing in and fingers pointing diagonally up to opposite sides, initially are held just in front of the face. The hands then make small, alternating vertical circles. A sick or nauseated facial expression is appropriate.
725The act of one’s head spinning from feeling dizzy or having motion sickness.
726The movement of the hands represents the spinning or reeling sensation that a person feels in his or her head when dizzy, lightheaded, or suffering from vertigo or motion sickness. Motion sickness is a condition in which a person’s sense of balance is disturbed, often resulting in dizziness and nausea.
727The tips of the fingers of the active flat-hand (the hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palm facing down and fingers pointing diagonally forward, touch the wrist of the stationary hand, palm facing up. Both hands are in front of the body at lower chest level.
728The act of a doctor feeling a person’s wrist for a pulse.
729The active hand represents the hand of a doctor or paramedic as he or she takes a patient’s pulse from the stationary wrist. A doctor or physician is a person with an advanced degree who practices medicine. Medics, paramedics, and EMTs (emergency medical technicians) are trained personnel that frequently work with rescue squads to stabilize patients in the field and transport them to a hospital for further treatment.
730The flat-hand (the hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palm facing to the side and fingers pointing down, initially is held just to the side of the thigh. The hand then repeatedly slaps the thigh.
731The act of slapping one’s thigh to beckon a dog.
732When a person wants a dog to approach or come close, he or she will often slap the side of his or her upper leg or thigh a few times. A dog is a four-legged, domesticated canine related to the grey wolf. A puppy is a young dog.
733The active flat-hand (the hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palm facing in and fingers pointing diagonally up, initially rests on the back of the stationary fist (the hand forms a fist), palm facing in and knuckles pointing diagonally up to the opposite side. Both hands are in front of the body at upper chest level. The active hand then strokes the stationary fist a couple of times.
734The act of stroking a doll.
735The active hand strokes or caresses a doll (represented by the stationary hand and forearm) as the doll is held close to a person’s heart. A doll is a child’s toy, typically made from cloth or plastic, that resembles a miniature-sized, clothed human being.
736The tips of the fingers and thumb of the active tapered- or O-hand (the fingers are together and curved, with the finger tips touching the thumb tip), palm facing down and knuckles pointing forward, initially touch the upper edge of the stationary flat-hand (the hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palm facing in and fingers pointing to the side. Both hands are in front of the body at chest level. The active hand then arcs up slightly and out to the side.
737The act of removing a dollar bill from one’s wallet.
738The active hand removes an imaginary dollar bill or other paper money from a wallet or purse (represented by the stationary hand). A dollar bill is a unit of paper money accepted in many countries, including the United States and Canada.
739The flat-hand (the hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palm facing in and fingers pointing to the side with the thumb extended and pointing up, initially is held in front of and to the side of the body at chest level. The hand then arcs up and down a few times as it moves to the other side.
740The act of a dolphin leaping out of the water.
741The hand represents the body of a dolphin and the thumb represents its dorsal fin (located on its back) as the dolphin swims in and leaps out of the water. A dolphin or porpoise is a highly intelligent marine mammal that often leaps or propels itself out of the water while swimming and playing.
DONKEY

Synonyms: Adamant, Burro, Democrat (politics), Hard-Headed, Mule, Obdurate, Obstinate, Stubborn
742The tips of the thumbs of flat-hands (each hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palms facing out and fingers pointing up with the thumbs extended and pointing at each other and to opposite sides, touch the ears.
743The hands resemble the large ears of a donkey or mule.
744The hands represent the large ears of a donkey or mule. A donkey or burro is a four-legged mammal that resembles a horse. A mule is the offspring of a male donkey and a female horse. Donkeys are often portrayed as obstinate, hard-headed, obdurate, or very stubborn.
745The pointing-hand (the index finger is extended from an otherwise closed hand), palm facing in and finger pointing up, initially is held in front of and to the side of the face. The hand then arcs up and back, passing several inches to the side and slightly above the head.
746The act of missing the point or not understanding something.
747The index finger represents information that goes by or over a person’s head and therefore is not processed in the brain or understood. If information is presented too quickly or is too complicated, it may not be understood or comprehended. Overlooked refers to information that is missed or that goes unnoticed.
748Curved-hands (the fingers and thumbs are together and curved), palms facing out and fingers pointing mostly up, initially are held about six to nine inches apart just in front of the body at lower chest level. The hands then move forward about six inches. Shaking the head “No” at the same time is appropriate.
749The act of pushing away something that is not wanted.
750The hands push away an imaginary object that is unwanted or not needed. If a person does not want something, then he or she does not wish to have it or possess it. If a person does not need something, then he or she does not have any use for it.
DOOR

Synonyms: Double Doors, Entrance, Entryway, French Doors, Open the Door
Antonyms: Close the Door, Shut the Door
751The edges of flat-hands (each hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palms facing out and fingers pointing up, initially touch in front of the body at upper chest level. The hands then arc in until the palms face each other and to opposite sides. (To indicate the meanings Close the Door or Shut the Door, reverse the action of the sign.)
752The act of opening a set of double doors.
753The hands represent double doors or French doors that are originally closed or shut (represented by the initial position) but are then opened (represented by the final position). A door is an entrance, entryway, or means of access to a room, house, or building. Most doors swing open on hinges.
754The fist (the hand forms a fist), palm facing to the side and knuckles pointing forward with the thumb extended and pointing up, initially is held in front of the body at chest level. The fist then arcs slightly forward and down.
755The act of using one’s thumb to ring a doorbell or push a call button.
756The thumb presses down on an imaginary doorbell to alert others of a person’s arrival. A doorbell is a bell, buzzer, or set of chimes that typically is rung by pushing a button located near the entrance door. A call button is a button that is pushed that alerts others that a person needs assistance.
757The pointing-hand (the index finger is extended from an otherwise closed hand), palm and finger pointing down and knuckles pointing forward, initially is held in front of the body at lower chest level. The hand then moves down several inches.
758The act of pointing down.
759The index finger points to or indicates the direction of down. Down is the opposite direction of up. Downward means toward a lower position. Downstairs refers to the level(s) in a house or building below the level on which a person is currently located.
760The fingers of spread- or 5-hands (each hand is flat with fingers spread apart and extended), palms facing down and fingers pointing diagonally forward to opposite sides, are crisscrossed as the hands are held in front of the body at waist level.
761The fingers resemble the mesh of a drain or sieve.
762The fingers represent the mesh on a drain or sieve and the small openings between the fingers represent the holes through which liquids can flow. A drain or grate is a filter or cover on the top of a pipe or culvert that allows water (or other liquids) to gradually empty from a sink or container or off a road. A colander or strainer is a kitchen container or device with holes that are used to drain water away from foods such as cooked pasta.
DRAW

Synonyms: Art (drawing), Art Class, Artist, Design, Doodle, Drawing, Illustrate (draw), Illustration, Sketch
763The tapered- or O-hand (the fingers are together and curved, with the finger tips touching the thumb tip), palm facing diagonally out and knuckles pointing up, initially is held in front of the opposite side of the body at upper chest level. The hand then arcs up and down as it moves to the other side.
764The act of drawing or sketching a picture.
765The hand grasps an imaginary drawing instrument (e.g., pencil, pen, crayon, or piece of charcoal) and then uses it to doodle or sketch on an imaginary canvas. When a person draws something, he or she typically makes an illustration, representation, or rendering of that thing on a surface.
766The active fist (the hand forms a fist), palm facing up and knuckles pointing to the side, initially touches the crook of the stationary forearm, palm facing up and fingers pointing diagonally forward. Both hands are in front of the body at lower chest level. The active fist then slides down the stationary forearm toward the wrist.
767The act of drawing or taking blood from a person’s arm.
768The active hand holds an imaginary syringe (a hollow plastic tube connected to a needle) and then uses it to withdraw blood from a person’s stationary arm. A blood sample is often taken to perform laboratory tests and determine if a person has certain health problems. Healthy people may also donate blood to a hospital to help treat patients who have suffered injuries that resulted in blood loss.
769Fists (each hand forms a fist), palms facing up and knuckles pointing forward, initially are held about six to nine inches apart with the arms extended straight out in front of the body at lower chest level. The fists then move straight back toward the body. (This sign can also be made with the thumbs extended out to opposite sides.) (To indicate the meaning Close the Drawer, reverse the action of the sign.)
770The act of opening a drawer.
771The fists grasp the handles of an imaginary drawer and then pull on the handles to open the drawer. A drawer is a sliding, box-like storage receptacle that is often located in a desk, chest, or cabinet.
DREAM

Synonyms: Daydream, Dreamer, Envision, Fairy Tale, Fantasy, Fiction, Illusory, Imaginary, Imagination, Imagine, Pretend, Simulation, Unreal, Virtual, Whimsical
772The tip of the index finger of the pointing-hand (the index finger is extended from an otherwise closed hand), palm facing in and finger pointing diagonally up, initially touches the temple (the side of the forehead). The hand then twirls diagonally up and forward.
773The act of dreaming about imaginary things.
774The index finger traces the path of a fleeting, whimsical thought wandering away from a person’s head. (The initial position on the forehead represents the area where cognitive processes occur.) Dreams are often thoughts or images that a person has while sleeping that disappear when he or she wakes up. Something that is pretend or imaginary is based on fantasy and does not exist in the real world.
775Spread- or 5-hands (each hand is flat with fingers spread apart and extended), palms facing in and fingers pointing at each other and to opposite sides, initially rest on the upper chest. The hands then slide down the body to the thighs, rotating so that the fingers point down. The hands also move slightly forward and away from the body.
776The act of showing the general shape of a dress.
777The hands show the approximate location, shape, and length of a short dress or gown that a person wears. A dress is a piece of clothing, typically for women or girls, that extends from the shoulders or upper chest to the legs. The lower portion of a dress resembles a skirt. A gown often refers to a wedding dress, evening dress, or other fancy dress worn on a special occasion.
DRESS ONESELF

Synonyms: Get Dressed, Pull Up One’s Pants, Put On One’s Clothes, Put On One’s Pants
Antonyms: Lower One’s Pants, Take Off One’s Pants
778The tips of the fingers and thumbs of tapered- or O-hands (the fingers are together and curved, with the finger tips touching the thumb tips), palms facing in and knuckles pointing down, initially touch the upper thighs. The hands then slide up to the waist. (To indicate the meanings Lower One’s Pants or Take Off One’s Pants, reverse the action of the sign.)
779The act of getting dressed or putting on one’s pants.
780The hands grasp and then pull up a person’s pants or trousers. To dress oneself means to put on clothing or get dressed.
781The C-hand (the fingers are together and curved, with the thumb opposite the fingers), palm facing to the side and fingers pointing mostly forward, initially is held in front of the body at chest level. The hand then arcs up toward the open mouth, rotating so that the fingers point mostly up.
782The act of drinking from a cup or glass.
783The hand represents a glass or cup filled with a beverage as a person moves it up to his or her mouth to take a drink. To drink means to take a liquid into one’s mouth and swallow it. A soft drink, cola, or soda is a type of sweetened, carbonated, and often caffeinated beverage.
DRIVE

Synonyms: Auto, Automobile, Car, Chauffeur, Driver, Motor Vehicle, Steer (a vehicle), Steering Wheel, Van, Vehicle
784Fists (each hand forms a fist), palms facing to opposite sides and knuckles pointing forward, initially are held about a foot apart with one fist slightly higher than the other. Both fists are in front of the body at upper chest level. The upper fist then arcs down slightly as the lower fist arcs up slightly. The action is repeated.
785The act of driving or steering a vehicle.
786The fists grasp and then move the steering wheel of a car in order to control the vehicle’s direction of movement. To drive means to take a trip in an automobile or to operate a motor vehicle. A chauffeur is a person who drives others from one location to another. A van typically is a large motor vehicle with long seats used to transport groups of people.
787The tip of the index finger of the pointing-hand (the index finger is extended from an otherwise closed hand), palm facing in and finger pointing up, initially touches the corner of the mouth. The finger then slowly moves down to the edge of the chin.
788The act of drool or saliva running down one’s chin.
789The index finger represents saliva dripping from the corner of a person’s mouth. Drool or saliva is liquid that oozes or trickles down from a person’s mouth.
790Fists (each hand forms a fist), palms facing down and knuckles pointing forward, initially are held about six inches apart in front of the body at chest level. The fists then move down about six to nine inches as they open into spread- or 5-hands (each hand is flat with fingers spread apart and extended), palms facing down and fingers pointing forward.
791The act of dropping or letting go of something.
792The fists initially hold an imaginary object and then drop it or let it go (represented by the downward movement and the opening of the fists). To drop means to lose or release one’s grip on something and let it fall.
793Flat-hands (each hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palms facing down and fingers pointing diagonally forward to opposite sides, initially are held in front of the body near waist level. The hands then alternately flip up and down a few times.
794The act of beating a drum with one’s hands.
795A person may use his or her hands to beat or tap on drums, especially bongos. A drum is a hollow percussion instrument, often in the shape of a cylinder, whose top end is covered with a stretched membrane or skin that is beaten by hand, with drumsticks, or with another object.
796The fist (the hand forms a fist), palm facing down and knuckles pointing forward, is held about six inches to the side of the mouth with the arm raised to shoulder level. The mouth then opens and closes.
797The act of holding and chewing on a large drumstick.
798A person grasps the bony portion of a large, imaginary drumstick of meat (such as a turkey leg or a chicken leg) as he or she chews on the meat (the muscular portion of the leg). A drumstick is a portion of the leg of such a bird.
799The C-hand (the fingers are together and curved, with the thumb opposite the fingers), palm facing to the side and fingers pointing mostly forward, initially is held in front of the body at chest level. The hand then arcs up toward the mouth, ending with the fingers pointing mostly up and the back of the hand resting against the opposite cheek (the left cheek for right-handed signers; the right cheek for left-handed signers). An open mouth and droopy eyelids or a sleepy facial expression are appropriate.
800The act of being so drunk that one misses one’s mouth while drinking.
801The hand represents a glass or cup (like in the sign for Drink) filled with an alcoholic beverage. The person then tries to drink from the cup, but he is so drunk that he misses his mouth (represented by the final position). A person who is drunk, inebriated, or intoxicated has consumed too much alcohol and consequently is both cognitively and physically impaired.
802The fingers of the flat-hand (the hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palm facing in and fingers pointing up, initially touch one corner of the mouth. The hand then slides to the other corner of the mouth.
803The act of wiping or drying off one’s mouth.
804The hand represents a cloth or napkin that is used to wipe a person’s mouth until the lips and the area surrounding the mouth are clean and dry. Dry or arid means that something is not wet or does not contain any moisture. A drought is a prolonged period without rain.
EAGER

Synonyms: Avid, Energetic, Energy, Enthusiasm, Enthusiastic, Excited, Fervent, Keen (eager), Lively (eager), Motivated, Rub One’s Hands Together, Verve, Vigor, Zealous
805Flat-hands (each hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palms touching and facing to opposite sides and fingers pointing forward, initially are held in front of the body at chest level. The hands then rub back and forth several times. A smile or happy facial expression is appropriate.
806The act of rubbing one’s hands together with enthusiasm or eagerness.
807A person who is very excited, keen, or eager to receive a gift, to go somewhere, or to do something may rub his or her hands together in anticipation. Eager means fervent, enthusiastic, excited, ready, or motivated to start a task.
808The tip of the index finger of the pointing-hand (the index finger is extended from an otherwise closed hand), palm facing down and finger pointing to the side, touches the ear (near the top).
809The act of showing the location of one’s ear.
810The index finger points to or indicates the location of a person’s ear. The ear is an organ for hearing; it senses and collects sounds (auditory vibrations) in the outer ear and then conveys them through the middle ear and inner ear to the auditory nerve. The auditory nerve then transmits the signals to the brain for interpretation. Otology is the branch of medicine that specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of ear-related conditions, diseases, and abnormalities.
811The tip of the index finger of the pointing-hand (the index finger is extended from an otherwise closed hand), palm facing to the side and finger pointing up, taps the middle of the outer ear several times. A frown or pained facial expression is appropriate.
812The act of one’s ear throbbing in pain.
813The movement of the index finger represents the painful throbbing or pangs often associated with an earache. An earache (also known as otalgia) is a pain in the ear. Otitis media (inflammation of the middle ear) is one of the common causes of ear pain.
814The knuckles of the index fingers of pointing-hands (the index fingers are extended from otherwise closed hands), palms and fingers pointing down and knuckles pointing at each other and to opposite sides, touch the base of the ears. Wiggling the index fingers is appropriate.
815The index fingers resemble long earrings.
816Each index finger represents an earring dangling or hanging down from a person’s earlobe. Earrings are ornamental jewelry that are usually attached to the earlobes by clips or inserted through the earlobes (if the ears are pierced). Earrings are typically worn by females, but males also may wear them. Many earrings are made with gold, a precious metal.
817The flat-hand (the hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palm facing in and fingers pointing to the side, initially is held in front of the body at chest level. The hand then swings forward and to the side until it is fully extended to the right with the palm facing out and fingers pointing to the right. (If the person is left-handed or can move only the left arm, then the left hand, palm facing in and fingers pointing to the side, initially is held in front of the body at chest level. The hand is then extended to the right of the body.)
818The act of showing the direction of east.
819The hand and arm are extended to the right of the body to show or indicate the direction of east. On most geographical maps, east is located on the right. East is the direction from which the sun rises.
820The active V-hand (the index and middle fingers are spread apart and extended from an otherwise closed hand in the shape of a “V”), palm facing down and fingers pointing diagonally forward, initially is held a couple of inches below the stationary flat-hand (the hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palm facing down and fingers pointing diagonally forward to the opposite side. Both hands are in front of the body at lower chest level. The active hand then arcs up and over the stationary hand, rotating so that the palm and fingers point down and knuckles point diagonally forward as the tips of the index and middle fingers touch the back of the stationary hand.
821The act of Jesus rising from the grave on Easter.
822The index and middle fingers of the active hand represent the legs of a person who is initially deceased and buried under the ground (represented by the stationary hand). The person then rises to stand on his or her legs once again after being resurrected or brought back to life. Easter is a Christian holiday celebrating the resurrection of Jesus.
823The signer blows air (or mimics blowing air) over the upturned palm of the flat-hand (the hand is flat with fingers together and extended), fingers pointing forward. The hand is held in front of the chin.
824The act of easily blowing something away.
825Whatever imaginary obstacles there may be on a person’s hand are insignificant and easily removed by a small puff of air. It’s a breeze to get something done. A task that is easy or simple is uncomplicated and requires little effort or trouble to accomplish.
826The tapered- or O-hand (the fingers are together and curved, with the finger tips touching the thumb tip), palm facing in and knuckles pointing up, initially is held about twelve to eighteen inches in front of the body at upper chest level. The hand then arcs up to just in front of (or with the tips of the fingers and thumb touching) the mouth. The mouth may be open.
827The act of putting food into one’s mouth while eating.
828The hand represents food that is brought to a person’s mouth to be eaten. Eating involves taking in nourishment through the mouth. Consuming food (such as meat, vegetables, salad, and fruit) provides vital nutrients to the body’s organs and helps to power the body’s various processes.
829The fingers of the active flat-hand (the hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palm facing in and fingers pointing up, initially touch the forward-facing edge of the stationary flat-hand, palm facing down and fingers pointing to the side. Both hands are in front of the body at chest level. The active hand then slides down the stationary hand and forearm about six to nine inches.
830The act of feeling the outer edge of one’s forearm.
831The active hand shows or moves along the outer edge of a surface (represented by the stationary hand and forearm). An edge is the rim, border, or boundary of something. The horizon is the farthest point of the landscape that a person can see from his or her current location; it is the place where the sky meets the ground or sea. The stationary forearm may also represent the shoreline or coast (the outer edge of a piece of land that abuts a body of water).
832The tip of the index finger of the pointing-hand (the index finger is extended from an otherwise closed hand), palm facing in and slightly down and finger pointing to the side, initially touches the temple (the side of the forehead) on the opposite side of the head. The finger then arcs up and down as it slides across the forehead to the other side.
833The act of tracing the brain wave pattern of an EEG.
834The index finger represents the needle on an EEG machine as it moves and documents electrical activity in a person’s brain (represented by the location on the forehead). An electroencephalogram (EEG) is a means of studying the brain by recording changes in electrical potential (brain waves). An EEG is often used to help diagnose epilepsy, seizures, head injuries, brain tumors, sleep disorders, or brain death.
835Partially closed C-hands (the fingers are together and curved, with the thumbs opposite the fingers), palms and fingers pointing at each other and diagonally forward to opposite sides and knuckles pointing forward, initially are held about an inch apart in front of the body at lower chest level. The hands then rotate down as they open into spread-or 5-hands (each hand is flat with fingers spread apart and extended), palms facing down and fingers pointing forward and slightly down.
836The act of cracking open an egg so that its contents run out.
837The hands initially hold an egg and then break the egg shell open on the side of an imaginary bowl. The liquid contents or yolk of the egg (represented by the fingers of the 5-hand), then flow into the bowl. An egg is the casing that surrounds the developing embryo of a bird. Eggs are often eaten for breakfast and also are a common ingredient in many baked goods such as cakes, pies, muffins, brownies, cookies, and bread.
838The hands, palms facing out and fingers pointing up, are held next to each other in front of the body at shoulder level. One hand is the spread- or 5-hand (the hand is flat with fingers spread apart and extended) and on the other hand the thumb, index finger, and middle finger are spread apart and extended from an otherwise closed hand.
839Eight fingers or digits are held up; 5 + 3 = 8.
840Eight fingers or digits are extended and should be counted — five on one hand and three on the other. Eight is the whole number or integer between seven and nine. Related to the signs for Five and Three.
841The tip of the index finger of the active pointing-hand (the index finger is extended from an otherwise closed hand), palm facing down and finger pointing diagonally forward, alternately touches the tips of the index and middle fingers of the stationary V-hand (the index and middle fingers are spread apart and extended from an otherwise closed hand in the shape of a “V”), palm facing diagonally in and fingers pointing up. Both hands are in front of the body at upper chest level. The action may be repeated.
842The act of trying to pick between two alternatives.
843The index finger of the active hand alternately points to one of two possibilities (represented by the stationary index and middle fingers). The person tries to decide which one to pick — either one or the other, but not both. To alternate means to switch back and forth between two options.
EKG

Synonyms: Cardiac (Sinus) Rhythm, ECG, EKG Machine, Electrocardiogram, Electrocardiograph, Heart Monitor
844The tip of the index finger of the pointing-hand (the index finger is extended from an otherwise closed hand), palm and finger pointing in and knuckles pointing to the side, initially touches the upper chest on the opposite side of the body. The finger then arcs up and down as it slides to the other side.
845The act of tracing the cardiac wave pattern of an EKG.
846The index finger represents the needle on an EKG machine as it moves and documents electrical activity in a person’s heart (represented by the location on the chest). An electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) is a means of studying the heart by recording changes in electrical potential during the heartbeat. An EKG is often used to help diagnose heart attacks, cardiac arrhythmias, or other heart conditions.
847The tip of the index finger of the active pointing-hand (the index finger is extended from an otherwise closed hand), palm facing in and finger pointing to the side, touches the opposite elbow, whose forearm extends upward and diagonally back at about a 45° angle.
848The act of showing the location of one’s elbow.
849The active index finger points to or indicates the location of a person’s elbow (the joint between the upper arm and the forearm). If the ulnar nerve that runs close to this joint is hit, this often causes a tingling sensation (an act that is referred to as “hitting one’s funny bone”).
850The fist (the hand forms a fist), palm facing to the side and knuckles pointing up, initially rests on the tip of the nose. The fist then arcs forward and down until it is in front of the body at waist level with knuckles pointing diagonally forward.
851The act of showing the length of an elephant’s trunk.
852The fist represents the approximate shape, width, and length of an elephant’s long, flexible trunk (or snout). An elephant is a very large, thick-skinned, nearly hairless land mammal native to Africa and Asia. An elephant’s trunk is used to bring or lift food and water to its mouth, to manipulate objects, and for breathing.
853The V-hand (the index and middle fingers are spread apart and extended from an otherwise closed hand in the shape of a “V”), palm facing up and fingers pointing diagonally forward, initially rests on the fingers and upturned palm of the flat-hand (the hand is flat with fingers together and extended), fingers pointing diagonally forward to the opposite side. Both hands are in front of the body at lower chest level. The flat-hand then rotates up a short distance until the fingers of the V-hand point diagonally up.
854The act of elevating or propping up one’s legs and feet.
855The index and middle fingers of the V-hand represent a person’s legs and feet as they rest on a footstool or mattress (represented by the flat-hand). The flat-hand is then raised to represent the elevation (lifting up) of the person’s legs and feet. The top and bottom of many hospital beds can be independently lowered and raised for the comfort and well-being of a patient.
856The edges of the index finger and thumb of the active flat-hand (the hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palm facing down and fingers pointing forward, initially rest against the bottom of the palm of the stationary flat-hand, palm facing to the side and fingers pointing up. Both hands are in front of the body at chest level. The active hand then slides up the stationary palm and fingers.
857The act of an elevator rising in a building.
858The active hand represents an elevator rising in an elevator shaft of a building (represented by the stationary hand). An elevator is a moveable platform or lift that typically carries people and/or cargo up and down to different floors in a building.
859The fingers of the flat-hand (the hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palm facing in and fingers pointing diagonally up, cover the eye as the palm rests on the cheek. The head bends forward and to the side.
860The act of covering one’s face in shame or embarrassment.
861A person who is embarrassed typically is uncomfortable, self-conscious, or ashamed about something. The person may therefore try to hide his or her identity by using one or both hands to cover up his or her face. A person who is shy, bashful, or not accustomed to attention may also try to hide his or her face.
862The active bent-hand (the fingers are together and extended at a right angle with respect to the palm), palm and fingers pointing in and knuckles pointing to the side with the thumb pointing up, initially rests against the base of the stationary flat-hand (the hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palm facing to the side and fingers pointing forward with the thumb pointing up. Both hands are in front of the body at lower chest level. The bent-hand then brushes down the length of the stationary palm and fingers as it flips open into a flat-hand, palm facing to the opposite side and fingers pointing forward. The sign is then repeated using the other hand.
863The act of showing that one’s hands are empty.
864The active hand represents a brush and the active fingers represent the bristles of the brush as they sweep away the contents of the other (stationary) hand. Both hands are swept clean to show that the hands are empty, bare, or blank and do not hold anything. Something that is empty or vacant contains nothing.
ENTER

Synonyms: Access, Admission, Admit (let in), Admittance, Come In, Guest, Introduce, Invite, Invite Inside, Visitor (guest), Welcome (greeting)
865Flat-hands (each hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palms facing up and fingers pointing diagonally forward, up, and out to the same side, initially are held in front of one side of the body at upper chest level. The hands then arc down to waist level on the opposite side of the body, ending with the fingers pointing diagonally forward, slightly down, and out to that side.
866The act of motioning someone to enter or come in.
867When an invited guest or visitor arrives at a person’s house, it is customary to welcome that individual and to motion that it is okay for him or her to enter the house or come in the door. When a person is granted access or admission to a place, he or she is invited inside or allowed to enter and go in.
ENVELOPE

Synonyms: Enclosed (in an envelope), File (document), Folder, Paper Sleeve (CD, DVD, media), Slipcover (media)
868The tips of the fingers of the active bent-hand (the fingers are together and extended at a right angle with respect to the palm), palm and fingers pointing down and knuckles pointing forward with the thumb extended and pointing to the side, initially rest against the inner edge of the index finger of the stationary flat-hand (the hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palm facing in and fingers pointing to the side with the thumb extended apart from and parallel to the index finger. Both hands are in front of the body at chest level. The active hand then slides down until its fingers are between the stationary fingers and thumb.
869The act of putting a piece of paper into an envelope.
870The active hand represents a sheet of paper that is inserted into an envelope or folder (represented by the stationary hand). An envelope is a thin, rectangular paper container often used for holding and/or sending letters, memos, or other important documents.
871The fist (the hand forms a fist), palm facing out and knuckles pointing down with the thumb extended and pointing out to the side, initially is held about six inches to the side of the upper leg. The fist then moves to the side until the base of the fist hits the outer thigh.
872The act of injecting oneself with a shot of life-saving epinephrine.
873The fist represents a syringe used to inject a shot of epinephrine into a person’s thigh to combat an acute allergic reaction or anaphylactic shock. Epinephrine (also known as adrenaline) is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands. In emergencies, it may be administered as a medication to persons suffering a heart attack, a severe episode of asthma, or a life-threatening allergic reaction.
874The edges of the index fingers of pointing-hands (the index fingers are extended from otherwise closed hands), palms facing down and fingers pointing forward, touch as the hands are held in front of the body at lower chest level.
875The equals sign (=) denotes that two things are equivalent or the same amount.
876The index fingers represent the two short, parallel lines of a mathematical equals sign (=). In mathematical equations, the equals sign is used to indicate that the expression on one side of the equals sign is equivalent to the expression or amount on the other side.
EXERCISE

Synonyms: Aerobics, Body Building (sport), Fitness Center, Gym, Lift Weights, Occupational Therapy, Physical Education, Physical Therapy, Physiotherapy, Sports Club, Weightlifting (sport), Workout
877Fists (each hand forms a fist), palms facing out and knuckles pointing up, initially are held just above and to the sides of the shoulders. The fists then move up above head level and then back down to their initial position. (The hands may move slightly out to the sides as they move up.) The action may be repeated.
878The act of lifting weights or exercising.
879The fists grasp imaginary weights and then lift them above a person’s head while he or she exercises. Exercise often refers to aerobic or physical activity that improves a person’s muscular and/or cardiovascular conditioning. During a workout at a gym or fitness center, a person may perform multiple repetitions of various weightlifting exercises. Physical therapy or physiotherapy consists of exercises and stretches that help a person to regain muscle strength and physical abilities that have declined or been lost because of an accident, injury, or medical condition.
EXPEL

Synonyms: Banish, Cast Out, Deport, Eject, Evict, Extradite, Force Out, Oust, Remove from Office, Umpire, You Are Out
880The fist (the hand forms a fist), palm facing in and knuckles pointing to the side with the thumb extended and pointing up, initially is held in front of the body at chest level. The fist then forcefully arcs up to near the side of the head, ending with the palm facing diagonally in and knuckles pointing up with the thumb pointing diagonally back.
881The act of an umpire ejecting or expelling a player from a game.
882The fist represents a person who is originally playing in a game (represented by the initial position), but is then expelled or ejected (represented by the final position) by an umpire because of a serious rule violation or infraction. To expel means to banish, cast out, eject, or oust someone from a location. This sign may also be used to represent that a baseball player has struck out at home plate or is out at one of the bases. An umpire is a referee at a baseball or softball game (or other sporting events).
883The pointing-hand (the index finger is extended from an otherwise closed hand), palm facing in and finger pointing up, is held close to and points to the eye.
884The act of showing the location of one’s eye.
885The index finger points to or indicates the location of a person’s eye or eyeball. The eye is an organ for vision; it allows a person to see and distinguish objects in the surrounding world. Ocular means of or pertaining to the eye(s) or to vision.
886The baby O-hand (the index finger and thumb are curved and touch at their tips from an otherwise closed hand), palm facing down and knuckles pointing to the side, initially is held a few inches above the inner corner of one eye. The hand then moves down until the tips of the index finger and thumb nearly touch the eye. The head should lean back.
887The act of putting eye drops in one’s eye.
888The index finger and thumb grasp an imaginary eye dropper and then use it to deliver eye drops or saline into a person’s eye. Eye drops are medicated solutions or liquids that are put in a person’s eyes to relieve the symptoms of various medical conditions (such as dry eyes or environmental allergies).
EYE EXAM

Synonyms: Eye Scan, Ophthalmology, Optometry, Retinal Exam, Retinal Identification, Retinal Scan
889The pointing-hand (the index finger is extended from an otherwise closed hand), palm and finger pointing in and knuckles pointing up, initially is held in front of one eye. The hand then zigzags slightly from side to side.
890The act of examining one’s eye.
891The index finger represents a light that is used by ophthalmologists or optometrists (eye doctors) to look carefully at or examine a person’s eyes for medical abnormalities. The index finger may also represent the light of a laser used by some security systems to scan a person’s retina (the back part of the eye) for the purpose of identification.
892Tapered- or O-hands (the fingers are together and curved, with the finger tips touching the thumb tips), palms facing each other and to opposite sides and knuckles pointing up, rest against the face as they frame the eyes.
893The act of looking through the lenses of a pair of glasses.
894The tips of the fingers and thumbs form circular shapes that represent the lenses or frames of a pair of glasses or spectacles. Eyeglasses are a pair of lenses mounted in a frame that aid in focusing or sharpening a person’s vision. Glasses help to compensate for a person’s visual impairments or declining eyesight. Sunglasses are glasses with shaded lenses that help to filter out bright sunlight and protect one’s eyes.
895The fist (the hand forms a fist), palm facing in and knuckles pointing up, covers one eye.
896The act of covering one’s eye with a patch.
897The fist represents a medical eye patch. An eye patch is a bandage or piece of material used to cover and prevent further injury to a damaged eye. Pirates are often depicted as wearing a leather eye patch over a missing eye; such a patch is typically held in place by a cord looped around the head.
898The pointing-hand (the index finger is extended from an otherwise closed hand), palm facing in and finger pointing up, circles around the edge of the face.
899The act of showing the edge of one’s face.
900The index finger outlines, points to, or indicates the location of the edge or border of a person’s face. The human face extends vertically from the top of the forehead to the bottom of the chin and horizontally from ear to ear. The features of a person’s face include his or her eyebrows, eyes, nose, and mouth.
901The fists (each hand forms a fist), palms facing out and knuckles pointing at each other and to opposite sides with the thumbs extended and pointing down, initially are held in front of the body at chest level. The fists then move down a short distance. A frown or unhappy facial expression is appropriate.
902The act of giving someone or something two thumbs down for a major failure.
903One thumb pointing down often conveys disapproval or that something is bad. The greater emphasis of two thumbs pointing down indicates failure or defeat. To fail means to prove inadequate or unsuccessful at a task, to flunk a test, or to suffer a defeat. Awful means that something is very bad. Related to the sign for Bad.
904The back of the spread- or 5-hand (the hand is flat with fingers spread apart and extended), palm facing out and fingers pointing diagonally up, initially rests against the forehead. The head then tips back slightly. Closing one’s eyes as if fainting is appropriate.
905The act of fainting or passing out.
906The back of the hand on the forehead represents that a person feels weak or faint. As the head moves back and the eyes close, that person faints, swoons, or blacks out. To faint means to lose consciousness or pass out, often because of a sudden drop in a person’s blood pressure.
907The tips of the index and middle fingers of the active V-hand (the index and middle fingers are spread apart and extended from an otherwise closed hand in the shape of a “V”), palm and fingers pointing down and knuckles pointing diagonally forward, initially rest on the upturned palm of the stationary flat-hand (the hand is flat with fingers together and extended), fingers pointing diagonally forward to the opposite side. Both hands are in front of the body at chest level. The active hand then arcs down a few inches, rotating so that the palm and fingers point mostly up.
908The act of a person falling down.
909The index and middle fingers of the active hand represent the legs of a person who is initially standing on the ground or a flat surface (represented by the stationary hand). The person then falls down and his or her legs go up in the air (represented by the final position). To fall down means to suddenly move from an erect position to a lower position (such as on the ground) often after tripping, stumbling, or losing one’s balance.
910Spread- or 5-hands (each hand is flat with fingers spread apart and extended), palms facing each other and to opposite sides and fingers pointing forward, initially are held just in front of and to the sides of the body at lower chest level. The hands then arc forward and toward each other until the arms are near full extension and the fingers are interlocked in front of the body at chest level, palms facing in and fingers pointing to opposite sides.
911The act of gathering one’s arms around family members or relatives.
912A person’s arms may form an inclusive family circle around loved ones. A family is a group of relatives connected by blood (kin) or by marriage. The term family may also be applied to those persons living together in a household, often parents and their children.
913The flat-hand (the hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palm facing out and fingers pointing up, initially is extended upward at head level. The forearm then makes large, vertical circles as the arm bends and rotates at the elbow.
914The act of a fan’s blades moving air around a room.
915The active forearm and hand represent the large blades of a rotary floor fan as the blades rotate around a central hub (represented by the elbow). A fan is a machine fitted with blades that stirs or circulates air around a room, often improving ventilation and cooling the area.
916The active flat-hand (the hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palm facing to the side and fingers pointing forward, initially touches the knuckles of the stationary fist (the hand forms a fist), palm facing in and knuckles pointing to the side. Both hands are in front of the body at chest level. The active hand then moves away until it is fully extended out to the side of the body.
917The act of showing an area far away from oneself.
918The stationary fist represents a person’s current location and the active hand moves as far away as the extended arm allows in order to denote a remote area (represented by the final position). Something that is far is remote or a great distance away from the present location. Distance is a length of measurement between two points or locations.
919The tips of the index finger and thumb of the active baby O-hand (the index finger and thumb are curved and touch at their tips from an otherwise closed hand), palm facing down and knuckles pointing diagonally forward, initially touch the upturned palm of the stationary curved-hand (the fingers and thumb are together and curved), fingers pointing mostly diagonally forward to the opposite side. Both hands are in front of the body at lower chest level. The active hand then moves diagonally forward about six inches and then down several more inches.
920The act of planting a seed in the ground on a farm.
921The active hand picks up an imaginary seed from a bag or container (represented by the stationary hand) and then plants or sows the seed in the ground (represented by the final position). A farm is a tract of land that is devoted to the growing or cultivation of plants (crops) and/or the raising of livestock or other animals.
922Slightly bent flat-hands (each hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palms facing in and fingers pointing up, are extended forward in front of the body at upper chest level with the edges of the little fingers touching. Squinting is appropriate.
923The act of a farsighted person reading a book from a distance.
924The hands represent the covers of a book (or other type of reading material) as the book is held far away from the body. A person with farsightedness (also known as hyperopia or hypermetropia) often sees things more clearly at a distance rather than closer to the body.
925Flat-hands (each hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palms facing each other and to opposite sides and fingers pointing forward, initially are held in front of the sides of the body at lower chest level. The hands are then clapped together, followed by one hand quickly moving forward and slightly up.
926The act of moving rapidly or very fast.
927The hand that moves forward represents someone or something getting off to a fast or rapid start. In a race, a runner takes off quickly after hearing the shot of a starter’s pistol (represented by the clap of the hands). Fast refers to quick or rapid movement or high speed.
928The tips of the fingers and thumbs of C-hands (the fingers are together and curved, with the thumbs opposite the fingers), palms facing each other and to opposite sides and fingers pointing mostly down, initially touch the sides of the body at waist level. The hands then close slightly and squeeze some of the flesh. The action may be repeated.
929The act of feeling the fat along one’s waistline.
930When a person gains a lot of weight or is plump, fat often accumulates around the middle of his or her body and can be felt or squeezed. Fat is a type of bodily tissue that stores energy and helps insulate the body. Obese means that someone is significantly overweight for his or her height.
931The tip of the thumb of the spread- or 5-hand (the hand is flat with fingers spread apart and extended), palm facing to the side and fingers pointing up, touches the temple (the side of the forehead).
932Father is often the tallest person in a family.
933The tip of the thumb is held near the top of the head because a person’s father is frequently the tallest person in a family. Fathers may also be older and wiser. A father is a male figure who has helped produce and/or rear a child. Dad, Daddy, and Papa are common terms of endearment for a person’s own father.
934Claw-hands (the fingers are spread apart and bent), palms facing down and knuckles pointing forward, initially are held a few inches apart in front of the body at lower chest level. The hands then twist to opposite sides. The action is repeated. (To indicate the meanings Spigot, Tap (faucet), or Valve, use only one hand.)
935The act of turning the handles of a faucet.
936The hands grasp the handles for hot and cold water on a faucet and then turn them on to allow the water to flow. A faucet, valve, or spigot is a mechanical fixture that can be turned to control the flow of a liquid (or a gas) inside a pipe or coming out of the pipe. Faucets are commonly found in kitchens and bathrooms.
FEELINGS

Synonyms: Emotions, Feel (sense), Have a Feeling, Mood, Sensation, Sense (feel), Sensitive (feelings), Sensory, Suspect (feel)
937The flat-hand (the hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palm facing in and fingers pointing to the side, touches or taps the center of the chest a few times.
938The act of showing the location of one’s feelings in one’s heart.
939The hand represents a person’s heart as it beats quickly or races with strong feelings; the heart goes pit-a-pat. The heart has long been viewed as the location or center of a person’s emotions or feelings. Feelings are emotional or subjective mental responses to another person or a situation.
940The edges of the tips of the little fingers of spread-or 5-hands (each hand is flat with fingers spread apart and extended), palms facing in and fingers pointing up, initially touch in front of the body at upper chest level. The hands then move to opposite sides until they are about two feet apart.
941The act of showing the length of a fence.
942Each finger represents a slat or board in a picket fence. The hands are extended to the sides to emphasize the role of a fence as a barrier or enclosure. A fence is a barrier, usually made of wood or wire, that encloses a space or marks the limits of a person’s property. A paddock typically is a relatively small, fenced-in field or area for grazing and/or exercising horses.
FIELD

Synonyms: Countryside, Expanse, Land, Lawn, Meadow, Open Area, Park (nature), Pasture, Plain (field), Playing Field, Prairie, Rural, Steppe (prairie), Yard (lawn)
943The flat-hand (the hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palm facing down and fingers pointing to the side and slightly forward, initially is held in front of the opposite side of the body near waist level. The hand then arcs forward and to the side until the fingers point out to the other side.
944The act of showing an open area or field.
945The free and uninhibited movement of the hand shows or represents an open area, expanse, field, or countryside. A field, meadow, pasture, or prairie is a relatively level piece of land cleared (or largely devoid) of trees. A lawn or yard is an area of mown or manicured grass surrounding a house or near the front of a building. A park is land set aside or designated for public recreational use.
FIGHT (PHYSICAL)

Synonyms: Altercation (physical), Boxer, Boxing (sport), Brawl, Combative, Come to Blows, Fracas, Fray, Pugilist, Pugnacious, Punching Bag, Spar
946The fists (each hand forms a fist), palms facing each other and to opposite sides and knuckles pointing diagonally up to opposite sides, initially are held a few inches apart in front of the body at shoulder level. The fists then make alternating vertical circles (one arcs forward and down as the other arcs backward and up).
947The act of fighting another person or boxing.
948The hands are bunched together into fists as a person tries to physically strike or hit another person or a punching bag. A fight is a hostile exchange that often involves physical combat. A brawl or fracas is a violent physical fight or altercation usually involving multiple people. Boxing is a sport in which two opponents try to hit or knock each other out with their fists or boxing gloves.
949The index finger of the active pointing-hand (the index finger is extended from an otherwise closed hand), palm facing down and finger pointing diagonally forward, points to the top half of the index finger of the stationary pointing-hand, palm facing down and finger pointing diagonally forward to the opposite side. Both hands are in front of the body at lower chest level.
950The act of showing the location of one’s finger.
951The index finger of the active hand points to or indicates the location of the index finger of a person’s stationary hand. A finger is one of the terminating digits of a hand. Fingers are used to hold and manipulate objects.
952The tip of the index finger of the active pointing-hand (the index finger is extended from an otherwise closed hand), palm facing down and finger pointing diagonally forward, is bent slightly as it taps the fingernail of the index finger of the stationary pointing-hand, palm facing down and finger pointing diagonally forward to the opposite side. Both hands are in front of the body at chest level.
953The act of showing the location of one’s fingernail.
954The index finger of the active hand points to or indicates the location of the fingernail on the index finger of a person’s stationary hand. A fingernail is the hard, claw-like material on the upper surface of the end of each finger.
955The tip of the index finger of the active pointing-hand (the index finger is extended from an otherwise closed hand), palm facing down and finger pointing diagonally forward, initially touches the upturned palm of the stationary flat-hand (the hand is flat with fingers together and extended), fingers pointing diagonally forward to the opposite side. Both hands are in front of the body at lower chest level. The active index finger then slowly rotates back and forth.
956The act of taking a person’s fingerprint.
957The tip of a person’s active index finger is inked and pressed onto a fingerprint card or a scanner (represented by the stationary hand). A fingerprint is the oily impression of a fingertip on a surface. The patterns of each fingerprint are unique to an individual and may be used for identification purposes.
FINISH (END)

Synonyms: Bring to a Close, Come to an End, Completed, Concluded, Conclusion, Curtail, Cut Off (ended), Cut Short, Discharge (from a job), End, Ending, Finale, Fire (terminate), Terminate, Truncate
958The flat-hand (the hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palm facing down and fingers pointing forward, initially is held in front of the body at chest level. The hand then moves about six to nine inches to the side, sharply rotates so that the palm faces to the side, and then moves down about six inches.
959The act of cutting off an action or finishing something.
960The horizontal movement of the hand represents an ongoing action and the vertical movement represents the termination or conclusion of that action. To finish something means to complete, conclude, or bring an activity to an end. This sign may also be used to refer to firing or discharging someone from a job or terminating a person’s employment with a company.
FIRE

Synonyms: Blaze, Bonfire, Burn, Campfire, Combustion, Conflagration, Cremate, Flammable, Flames, Hell, Incinerate, Inferno, Set Fire To
961Spread- or 5-hands (each hand is flat with fingers spread apart and extended), palms facing in and fingers pointing up, initially are held in front of the body at lower chest level. The fingers then wiggle as the hands move up.
962The act of a fire burning.
963The wiggling fingers represent the rising flames of a fire as something burns. A fire is a form of combustion that typically includes heat, flames, and light. A blaze, conflagration, bonfire, or inferno is a large fire. Hell is often depicted as a fiery place where a person is punished for his or her sins.
964The active flat-hand (the hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palm facing to the side and fingers pointing diagonally forward and slightly up, initially is held a few inches to the side of the thumb of the stationary spread- or 5-hand (the hand is flat with fingers spread apart and extended), palm facing in and fingers pointing diagonally forward to the opposite side and slightly up. Both hands are in front of the body at chest level. The active hand then moves to the side until the tips of the fingers tap the tip of the stationary thumb.
965The act of showing the first digit on one’s stationary hand.
966The active hand indicates the first digit or thumb on a person’s stationary hand. Something that is the first is the original or initial thing that precedes or is before all others in time, location, and/or position. First may also refer to a person’s ranking in a competition; taking first place means that someone has won the competition. Related to the sign for Last.
967The flat-hand (the hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palm facing in and fingers pointing to the side, initially is held in front of and to the side of the body at lower chest level. The hand then swerves back and forth several times as it moves to the other side. The thumb should not be extended.
968The act of a fish swimming through the water.
969The hand represents a fish as it wiggles its body from side to side and swims through the water. A fish is an animal with gills that lives in fresh or salt water; goldfish are a popular pet fish for children. Seafood refers to fish, crabs, lobsters, shrimp, scallops, mussels, clams, and other creatures that live in the ocean that are edible or fit for human consumption.
970Fists (each hand forms a fist), palms facing to opposite sides and knuckles pointing diagonally down, initially rest one on top of the other in front of the body at waist level. The fists then quickly arc up and back toward the upper chest, ending with the knuckles pointing up or diagonally up.
971The act of pulling up a fishing rod.
972The hands grasp an imaginary fishing rod (a long, slender pole with a fishing line attached to it) and then pull the rod up to bring in a fish that a person has caught. Fishing involves the catching of fish, typically using a baited hook attached to a line and controlled with a reel and pole.
973The spread- or 5-hand (the hand is flat with fingers spread apart and extended), palm facing out and fingers pointing up, is held in front of the body at shoulder level.
974Five fingers or digits are held up.
975Five fingers or digits are extended and should be counted. Five is the whole number or integer between four and six.
976The active flat-hand (the hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palm facing to the side and fingers pointing forward and slightly up, initially is held in front of one side of the body at head level as the elbow rests on the upturned palm of the stationary curved-hand (the fingers and thumb are together and curved), fingers pointing mostly to the side. The active hand then waves from side to side a couple of times.
977The act of a flag waving in the wind.
978The upright forearm represents a flagpole and the active hand represents a flag or pennant waving in the wind. The stationary hand represents the base of the flagpole. A flag is a piece of fabric, often with a distinctive design, that symbolizes or designates a nation, state, team, or other organization.
979The tapered- or O-hand (the fingers are together and curved, with the finger tips touching the thumb tip), palm facing to the side and knuckles pointing diagonally down, initially is extended forward and diagonally down in front of the body at waist level. The hand then slowly moves from side to side.
980The act of using a flashlight to see one’s path.
981The hand holds a small, imaginary flashlight and then moves it from side to side to illuminate the way or path in front of a person. A flashlight is a portable device that provides a beam of artificial light. Flashlights are used to help a person see at night or in dark, poorly lit areas.
982The tapered- or O-hand (the fingers are together and curved, with the finger tips touching the thumb tip), palm facing in and knuckles pointing up, initially is held just under the nose. The hand then rotates slightly from side to side. A smile or happy facial expression is appropriate.
983The act of smelling a flower.
984The hand represents a flower that is placed under a person’s nose so that he or she can smell its sweet scent. A flower is a plant with a cluster of colorful petals.
FOG

Synonyms: Ambiguous, Amblyopia, Blur, Blurry, Foggy, Fuzzy (vision), Grey, Haze, Indistinct, Mist (fog), Out of Focus, Smog, Unclear, Vague
985The fingers of spread- or 5-hands (each hand is flat with fingers spread apart and extended), palms facing in and fingers pointing diagonally up to opposite sides, are crisscrossed as the hands are held in front of the lower face. Squinting is appropriate.
986The act of fog making it hard to see.
987The crisscrossed fingers and hands represent the thick water vapor of fog (or smog) that is not easy to see through (represented by the squinting of the eyes). Fog is condensed water vapor that often occurs in lower altitudes and results in hazy conditions that can block a person’s view of his or her surroundings. Blurry and fuzzy are terms that often refer to an image that is unclear, indistinct, or out of focus.
988The fists (each hand forms a fist), palms facing to opposite sides and knuckles pointing forward with the thumbs extended and pointing up, initially are held about six inches apart, one in front of the other. Both fists are in front of the body at lower chest level. The fists then move forward about six inches.
989The act of following someone.
990The back fist and thumb represent a person, animal, or object following in the same path as another person, animal, or object (represented by the front fist and thumb). To follow means to track, go behind, or come after someone or something. A parade often is a moving procession of decorated vehicles, marching bands, and other performers.
991The pointing-hand (the index finger is extended from an otherwise closed hand), palm facing in and finger pointing down, is held below waist level as the index finger points at one or both feet. (The signer may need to bend at the waist to clearly indicate the feet.)
992The act of showing the location of one’s foot.
993The index finger points to or indicates the location of a person’s foot (or both feet). The foot is the ending portion of a person’s leg; people stand and walk on their feet. Podiatry or chiropody is the branch of medicine that specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders and conditions involving the feet and ankles.
994The active spread curved-hand (the fingers are spread apart and curved), palm facing to the side and fingers pointing mostly up with the thumb opposite the index finger, initially is held about six inches to the side of the head. The stationary spread- or 5-hand (the hand is flat with fingers spread apart and extended), palm facing down and fingers pointing diagonally forward, is extended forward and slightly to the side at upper chest level. The active hand then quickly arcs forward about two feet.
995The act of throwing a football.
996The active hand grasps an imaginary football and then throws it in a forward pass as the stationary arm helps to maintain the thrower’s balance. In the United States and Canada, football is a game played on a large field in which two teams try to score points by running, throwing, or kicking a ball to a designated area.
997The flat-hand (the hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palm facing in and fingers pointing to the side, is placed on the forehead.
998The act of showing the location of one’s forehead.
999The hand rests on or indicates the location of a person’s forehead or brow. The forehead is the part of the face that extends from the eyebrows to the hair line. A caregiver may put his or her hand on a person’s forehead to help determine if that person has a fever or a high temperature.
1000The tips of the fingers and thumb of the tapered-or O-hand (the fingers are together and curved, with the finger tips touching the thumb tip), palm facing in and knuckles pointing up, initially rest on the forehead. The hand then rotates forward and down as it opens into a spread- or 5-hand (the hand is flat with fingers spread apart and extended), palm facing down and fingers pointing forward.
1001The act of forgetting something or losing one’s memories.
1002The hand represents knowledge or memories that are taken out of a person’s mind or brain (represented by the initial position) and then discarded or forgotten (represented by the openness of the 5-hand). To forget means to fail to remember or be unable to recall something that was previously known. Amnesia is memory loss often caused by brain injury or shock.
1003The V-hand (the index and middle fingers are spread apart and extended from an otherwise closed hand in the shape of a “V”), palm and fingers pointing down and knuckles pointing diagonally forward, initially is held in front of the body above waist level. The hand then arcs up to the mouth, rotating so that the palm and fingers point diagonally up and in.
1004The act of using a fork to eat something.
1005The index and middle fingers represent the tines of a fork that are used to pick up food from an imaginary plate on a table (represented by the initial position) and then bring the food up to a person’s mouth. A fork is a utensil or implement that has two or more prongs (tines) that are often used to spear morsels of food.
1006The thumb is tucked into the palm of the spread-or 5-hand (the hand is flat with fingers spread apart and extended), palm facing out and fingers pointing up, as the hand is held in front of the body at shoulder level.
1007Four fingers or digits are held up.
1008Four fingers or digits are extended and should be counted. Four is the whole number or integer between three and five.
1009Fists (each hand forms a fist), palms facing down and knuckles pointing forward, initially are held about nine inches apart in front of the body at lower chest level. The fists then arc up to near shoulder level and forward as the head bends forward slightly.
1010The act of raising the lid of a large freezer.
1011The hands grasp and raise the lid of a large, imaginary, horizontal storage freezer or cooler and then the person looks inside for something to eat. A freezer is a device used to preserve food by storing it at low temperatures (below freezing). This sign may also be used to refer to large storage bins, trunks, and storage chests.
1012The tips of the index finger and thumb of the active baby O-hand (the index finger and thumb are curved and touch at their tips from an otherwise closed hand), palm facing diagonally out and knuckles pointing up, initially touch the tip of a finger on the stationary flat-hand (the hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palm facing in and fingers pointing up. Both hands are in front of the body at chest level. The active hand then arcs up, rotating so that the palm faces in and the tips of the index finger and thumb touch the mouth. The action is repeated on another stationary finger.
1013The act of eating French fries.
1014The thumb and index finger of the active hand grab imaginary French fries from a container (represented by the stationary hand) and then bring them to a person’s mouth. French fries are sliced potato strips that are often cooked by frying them in hot oil or baking them in an oven.
1015The active spread- or 5-hand (the hand is flat with fingers spread apart and extended), palm facing down and fingers pointing to the side, initially rests on top of the elbow of the stationary arm, palm facing down and fingers pointing to the opposite side. Both hands are in front of the body at lower chest level. The active hand then arcs up to just above shoulder level as the palm rotates out and fingers point up.
1016Friday is the fifth day of the workweek.
1017The active hand represents the path or course of the sun as it rises above the horizon (represented by the stationary forearm) on Friday, the fifth day of the workweek (in many countries). The sign for Five superimposed on the sign for Day.
1018The hands, palms facing each other and to opposite sides, are firmly clasped in front of the heart. A smile or happy facial expression is appropriate.
1019The act of holding hands with a friend.
1020The hands represent the hands of two different people who are bonded in friendship and who hold each other near and dear to their hearts (represented by the location). A friend, buddy, pal, or companion is a person one knows and likes.
1021The tapered- or O-hand (the fingers are together and curved, with the finger tips touching the thumb tip), palm facing down and knuckles pointing forward, initially is held in front of and to the side of the body near waist level. The hand then hops forward a few times.
1022The act of a frog hopping on the ground.
1023The hand represents a frog or toad as it hops along the ground (represented by the location near waist level). A frog or toad is a small amphibian with large rear legs that are used to move around by hopping or leaping from place to place.
1024The tips of the index fingers of pointing-hands (the index fingers are extended from otherwise closed hands), palms facing in and fingers pointing diagonally up to opposite sides, initially touch the center of the lower lip. The index fingers then arc away from each other to the sides of the mouth and down to near the lower edge of the jaw. A frown or unhappy facial expression is appropriate.
1025The act of turning one’s lips down into a frown.
1026The index fingers draw the lips as they turn downward into a frown. A frown, pout, or grimace is a facial expression of displeasure or unhappiness in which the brow is usually contracted and the corners of the mouth are turned down. A person may frown when he or she is angry, feels sad, is in pain, or has received bad news.
FRUIT (TREE)

Synonyms: Apple, Apricot, Fruit Tree, Kumquat (fruit), Mango, Nectarine, Orchard, Persimmon (fruit), Pick Fruit, Pomegranate
1027The claw-hand (the fingers are spread apart and bent), palm facing out and knuckles pointing up, initially is extended forward and diagonally up in front of the body at head level. The hand then arcs to the mouth, rotating so that the palm faces in. An open mouth is appropriate.
1028The act of picking a piece of fruit from a tree.
1029The hand reaches out to grasp and pick or remove a piece of fruit (such as an apple) from an imaginary tree and then brings the fruit to a person’s mouth. Fruit is an edible, often sweet, fleshy plant growth that surrounds the seeds of trees. Fruits that grow on trees include apples, apricots, mangos, and nectarines.
1030The slightly curved spread- or 5-hand (the hand is flat with fingers spread apart and extended), palm facing in and fingers pointing up, initially is held in front of the side of the body at head level. The hand and forearm then shake slightly. A frown or unhappy facial expression is appropriate.
1031The act of shaking one’s hand in frustration or annoyance.
1032When a person is frustrated, he or she may become discouraged and shake his or her hand in exasperation. Frustration is a feeling of annoyance or irritation because a person’s persistent efforts have been thwarted or are ineffective.
1033The flat-hand (the hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palm facing down and fingers pointing to the side with the arm raised to shoulder level, initially is held just in front of the base of the neck. The hand then moves straight up until the back of the hand touches the bottom of the chin.
1034The act of showing that one is full of food.
1035The level of the hand represents the amount of food that a person has eaten. Stopping at the chin indicates that there is no more room in the body for additional food: a person is full, has had enough to eat, or is no longer hungry. Full means that someone contains as much of something as is possible and can no longer handle any more.
1036The spread- or 5-hand (the hand is flat with fingers spread apart and extended), palm facing to the side and fingers pointing up, initially is held to the side of the head. The hand then arcs forward until the arm is fully extended and the fingers point forward.
1037The act of showing the direction of the future.
1038The path of the hand represents an imaginary timeline that extends from the current time (located near the front of a person’s body) to some distance into the future (located forward or in front of a person’s body). The future refers to a time that has not yet come or arrived. When a person says that he or she will do something, that individual has made a pledge or promise to accomplish a task or get something done in the future.
1039The fist (the hand forms a fist), palm facing to the side and knuckles pointing forward, initially is held in front of one side of the body at lower chest level. The fist then shakes from side-to-side a couple of times. On the final “throw,” the hand moves a short distance toward the center of the body as it opens into a spread- or 5-hand (the hand is flat with fingers spread apart and extended), palm facing to the side and slightly down and fingers pointing forward.
1040The act of shaking and throwing dice while playing a board game.
1041The fist grasps imaginary dice, shakes them back and forth, and then throws the dice on an imaginary table. A game is an activity performed for amusement. Many board games involve throwing dice to determine how far a person may advance. A die (plural = dice) typically is a small cube with its sides marked with spots ranging in number from one to six.
1042Fists (each hand forms a fist), one palm facing diagonally out and the other palm facing diagonally in and knuckles pointing mostly down, initially are held in front of the body at waist level with one fist about six inches behind and a few inches above the other fist. The fists then move diagonally back and forth a couple of times.
1043The act of using a hoe to break up soil in a garden.
1044The fists grip the long handle of an imaginary hoe and then use the hoe to break up or turn over the soil while gardening or landscaping. A garden is a piece of land where plants, such as flowers and vegetables, are grown. Horticulture is the science and practice of growing and cultivating flowers, trees, fruits, vegetables, and grasses.
1045The C-hand (the fingers are together and curved, with the thumb opposite the fingers), palm facing to the side and fingers pointing mostly forward, initially is held in front of the body at chest level. The hand then arcs up to the open mouth, rotating so that the fingers point mostly up. The head then bends or arcs back slightly.
1046The act of gargling or rinsing one’s mouth.
1047The hand grasps an imaginary cup of mouthwash, moves it up to the mouth, and then the person tilts his or her head back to gargle. Gargling involves the rinsing of a person’s mouth and upper throat with a liquid solution to remove food debris and excess bacteria.
1048The index finger of the active pointing-hand (the index finger is extended from an otherwise closed hand), palm facing to the side and slightly out and finger pointing up, is bent slightly as it is initially held a few inches below and to the side of the stationary tapered- or O-hand (the fingers are together and curved, with the finger tips touching the thumb tip), palm facing diagonally out to the opposite side and knuckles pointing up. Both hands are in front of the body at chest level. The index finger then arcs up to rest on the edge of the stationary thumb.
1049The act of inserting a gasoline nozzle into a fuel tank.
1050The bent index finger of the active hand represents the nozzle of a gas pump that is put into the opening of a fuel tank or container (represented by the stationary hand) as a person pumps gas. Gasoline is a liquid made from petroleum that is used as a fuel to power engines in motor vehicles and certain equipment.
1051The tips of the fingers of flat-hands (each hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palms facing in and fingers pointing at each other and to opposite sides, initially touch in front of the body at chest level. The hands then swing apart so that the palms face each other and to opposite sides and the fingers point forward. (To indicate the meaning Close a Gate, reverse the action of the sign.)
1052The act of a gate opening.
1053The hands represent the double entrance (or exit) gates that control access to a large enclosure, such as a field, arena, farm, fairgrounds, or housing community. Originally, the gates are closed to traffic with no space in between them (represented by the initial position), but then they open to traffic as the hands move apart (represented by the final position). Open means that passage is unobstructed and that pedestrians and/or vehicles may proceed.
GATHER (OBJECTS)

Synonyms: Accumulate, Amass, Collect, Compile, Harvest, Hoard (things), Reap, Stockpile
1054Curved-hands (the fingers and thumbs are together and curved), palms facing in and fingers pointing mostly at each other and to opposite sides, initially are extended forward in front of and to the sides of the body at chest level. The hands then simultaneously arc in toward the center of the body until they are next to each other with the tips of the fingers touching the chest. The sign may be repeated. (This sign can also be made with a shorter diagonally inward movement that does not contact the body).
1055The act of gathering items together in one place.
1056The forearms and hands gather or collect imaginary things or people from different places or from across a wide area (represented by the initial position) and then bring them close together at a person’s current location (represented by the final position). To gather means to collect, amass, accumulate, or meet in one place. A harvest is the gathering of fruits, vegetables, grains, and/or grasses at the end of a crop’s growing season.
GET

Synonyms: Acquire, Attain, Capture, Catch (a person or animal), Obtain, Procure, Take Control, Takeover
1057The active claw-hand (the fingers are spread apart and bent), palm facing to the side and knuckles pointing forward, initially is held about six to nine inches away from the stationary pointing-hand (the index finger is extended from an otherwise closed hand), palm facing to the opposite side and finger pointing up. Both hands are in front of the body at upper chest level. The active hand then moves to the side and closes around the stationary index finger.
1058The act of getting or capturing something.
1059The active hand represents someone or something moving to get an object or catch an animal or person (represented by the stationary index finger). To get means to acquire, obtain, procure, or take control or possession of something. To capture often means to catch or lay hands on an escaped convict or person wanted for a crime.
1060The C-hand (the fingers are together and curved, with the thumb opposite the fingers), palm facing in and fingers pointing mostly to the side, initially is held in front of (or with the tips of the fingers touching) the base of the neck. The hand then arcs up and forward until it is above head level.
1061The act of showing the long neck of a giraffe.
1062The path of the hand represents the long, arched neck of a giraffe. A giraffe is a tall, four-legged mammal native to Africa that uses its long neck to reach leaves on trees. Giraffes are typically tan in color with large, brown splotches or patches on their coats.
1063The tips of the index finger and thumb of the baby O-hand (the index finger and thumb are curved and touch at their tips from an otherwise closed hand), palm facing to the side and knuckles pointing up, pinch an earlobe.
1064The act of showing the location of a girl’s pierced ear.
1065The tips of the index finger and thumb represent an earring that is worn on a person’s earlobe. In many societies, girls pierce their ears and wear earrings. A girl is a female child (a daughter) or young person. The earlobe is the piece of flesh on the lower part of a person’s outer ear.
GIVE

Synonyms: Bestow, Charity, Confer (give), Contribute, Donation (goods), Donor, Gift, Hand Over (give), Motion (procedural), Nominate, Offer, Present (gift), Proposal, Propose, Provide, Recommend, Recommendation, Sacrifice, Serve, Submission, Submit (give), Suggest, Suggestion
1066Flat-hands (each hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palms facing up and fingers pointing forward, initially are held a few inches apart in front of the body above waist level. The hands then arc up and forward about a foot.
1067The act of giving or offering something to another person.
1068A person holds an imaginary gift or present in his or her hands and then offers it to someone else (represented by the movement forward). To give means to take what one has and provide, bestow, or offer it to another person free of charge. A donation is a charitable contribution or gift of time, labor, money, clothing, financial assets, materials, or other belongings to a person or organization.
1069The active C-hand (the fingers are together and curved, with the thumb opposite the fingers), palm facing to the side and fingers pointing mostly forward, initially is held a few inches above the stationary flat-hand (the hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palm facing up and fingers pointing diagonally forward. Both hands are in front of the body at chest level. The active hand then moves down to contact the stationary palm.
1070The act of putting a glass or cup down on a table.
1071The active hand holds an imaginary glass or cup and then puts it down on a table or flat surface (represented by the stationary hand). Cups, mugs, and glasses are handheld vessels or containers used for drinking.
1072The tips of the fingers and thumb of the active tapered- or O-hand (the fingers are together and curved, with the finger tips touching the thumb tip), palm facing down and knuckles pointing slightly diagonally forward, initially touch the middle finger of the stationary spread- or 5-hand (the hand is flat with fingers spread apart and extended), palm facing down and fingers pointing diagonally forward to the opposite side. Both hands are in front of the body at lower chest level. The active hand then slides down the back of the stationary hand to the wrist.
1073The act of putting a glove on one’s hand.
1074The active hand grasps an imaginary glove and then pulls it onto a person’s stationary hand. Gloves are leather or knitted coverings for the hands with separate sections for each finger. Gloves help to protect the hands from cold weather, contamination, hazardous materials, or cuts and scrapes.
1075The fist (the hand forms a fist), palm facing in and knuckles pointing diagonally forward, initially is held in front of one side of the body at chest level. The fist then opens into a pointing-hand (the index finger is extended from an otherwise closed hand) as it forcefully moves about a foot diagonally forward. A serious or stern facial expression is appropriate. (Alternatively, one may start this sign with the pointing-hand.)
1076The act of emphatically directing someone to go.
1077When someone wants another person to leave the area, he or she may forcefully point in the direction of where that person should go. To go means to move or proceed away from a certain location.
GO OVER

Synonyms: Across, Cross Over, Jump (barrier), Jump Over (animal), Show Jumping (equine), Vault (jump)
1078The active curved-hand (the fingers and thumb are together and curved), palm facing out and fingers pointing mostly up, initially is held a few inches behind the stationary flat-hand (the hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palm facing in and fingers pointing to the side. Both hands are in front of the body at lower chest level. The active hand then arcs up and over the stationary hand until the palm faces in and slightly down and the fingers point mostly down.
1079The act of jumping or going over a barrier.
1080The active hand represents an animal, such as a horse, jumping or going over a fence, obstacle, or barrier (represented by the stationary hand). To go over something means to pass above or across the top of that thing.
1081The active flat-hand (the hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palm facing down and fingers pointing forward and diagonally down, initially is held slightly behind the stationary flat-hand, palm facing in and fingers pointing to the side. Both hands are in front of the body at lower chest level. The active hand then arcs under the stationary hand until the palm faces out and the fingers point forward and diagonally up.
1082The act of crawling or going under a barrier.
1083The active hand represents a person or animal crawling or going under a fence, obstacle, or barrier (represented by the stationary hand). To go under something means to pass underneath or below the bottom of that thing.
1084The back of the wrist of the flat-hand (the hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palm facing diagonally in and fingers pointing down, touches the chin.
1085The act of showing the location of a goat’s beard.
1086The hand represents the beard that hangs down from a goat’s jaw. A goat is a sure-footed mammal, related to sheep, with horns on its head and long hair or a beard on its chin. Goats may be raised domestically for their milk.
1087Spread curved-hands (the fingers are spread apart and curved), palms facing diagonally up and fingers pointing mostly diagonally back, initially are held near the sides of the body just above head level. The head then tilts back and the signer looks up. The hands may also arc slightly back.
1088The act of looking up at God.
1089A person may look up or gaze into the heavens while raising his or her hands in appeal to or in recognition of God’s great power. God is a deity or holy, divine, or supreme being that many religions depict as being exalted and living on high or up in the heavens.
1090Fists (each hand forms a fist), palms facing to opposite sides and knuckles pointing mostly forward, initially are held one on top of the other in front of one side of the body at shoulder level. The fists then swing down to waist level and then up to in front of the opposite shoulder.
1091The act of swinging a golf club.
1092The hands grip the handle of an imaginary golf club and then swing the club at an imaginary golf ball. Golf is a game played outside on a grass course in which a small ball is hit with a club that has a metal or wooden head. The goal of golf is to hit the ball into a small hole in as few strokes as possible.
GOOD

Synonyms: Advantage, Beneficial, Benefit, Favorable, Fine (good), Good Job, Good Quality, Positive (good), Satisfactory, Upside, Well (good), Well Done (compliment)
1093The fist (the hand forms a fist), palm facing in and knuckles pointing to the side with the thumb extended and pointing up, initially is held in front of the body at chest level. The fist then moves up slightly. A smile or happy facial expression is appropriate.
1094The act of giving someone or something one thumb up for a good job.
1095A thumb pointing up often conveys approval or that something is good. Good means beneficial, well done, being of fine or satisfactory quality, or having a positive result.
1096The spread- or 5-hand (the hand is flat with fingers spread apart and extended), palm facing out and fingers pointing up, initially is held about a foot to the side of the head. The forearm then arcs forward and back a few times.
1097The act of waving good-bye.
1098When a person departs or leaves a location, he or she may wave good-bye (or farewell) to the people that are there. The forward movement of the hand represents that person as he or she leaves or goes away.
1099The flat-hand (the hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palm facing out and fingers pointing up, initially is held about a foot to the side of the head. The fingers then bend down and back up a few times.
1100The act of giving a little wave good-bye.
1101When a person departs or leaves a location, he or she may wave good-bye (or farewell) to the people that are there. The forward movement of the fingers represents that person as he or she leaves or goes away.
1102Flat-hands (each hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palms facing out and fingers pointing out to opposite sides, are fully extended out to the sides of the body at shoulder level. The head may sag to one side.
1103The act of Jesus being hung on a cross on Good Friday.
1104The placement of the arms and hands resembles those of Jesus when he was nailed to the cross or crucified. Good Friday (the Friday before Easter) is a commemoration of the crucifixion and resulting death of Jesus.
1105Fists (each hand forms a fist), palms facing in and knuckles pointing at each other and to opposite sides, initially are held a few inches away from the chest. The fists then alternately arc in to hit the chest. The action is repeated a few times.
1106The act of a gorilla beating on its chest.
1107The fists represent the large hands of a gorilla as it beats or pounds on its chest. A gorilla is the largest and most powerful ape; it may beat on its chest to intimidate and/or assert dominance over others.
1108The tip of the thumb of the spread- or 5-hand (the hand is flat with fingers spread apart and extended), palm facing to the side and fingers pointing up, initially touches the temple (the side of the forehead). The hand then arcs forward about a foot.
1109Grandfather is one step or generation away from Father.
1110The tip of the thumb is initially held near the top of the head because the father is frequently the tallest person in a family. The hand then arcs forward to indicate that the fatherly figure is located one step or generation away. A person’s grandfather is the father of that person’s mother or father. Granddad and Grandpa are common terms of endearment for a person’s own grandfather. Related to the sign for Father.
1111The tip of the thumb of the spread- or 5-hand (the hand is flat with fingers spread apart and extended), palm facing to the side and fingers pointing up, initially touches the upper chest near or above the breast. The hand then arcs forward about a foot.
1112Grandmother is one step or generation away from Mother.
1113The tip of the thumb is initially held near the breast because the mother often is the one who breastfeeds or nourishes an infant. The hand then arcs forward to indicate that the motherly figure is located one step or generation away. A person’s grandmother is the mother of that person’s mother or father. Grandma and Granny are common terms of endearment for a person’s own grandmother. Related to the sign for Mother.
1114The tapered- or O-hand (the fingers are together and curved, with the finger tips touching the thumb tip), palm facing down and knuckles pointing back, is held a few inches above the open mouth as the head tilts back.
1115The act of being hand-fed grapes.
1116The hand holds an imaginary bunch of grapes above a person’s mouth in preparation for eating them. Grapes are green or purple berries that grow in bunches and are eaten as fresh fruit. Raisins are dehydrated grapes or grapes that have been dried before consumption.
GRASS

Synonyms: Blades (grass), Grain (wheat), Green, Hay, Seedling, Spring (season), Sprout, Verdant, Wheat
1117The fingers of the active spread- or 5-hand (the hand is flat with fingers spread apart and extended), palm facing out and fingers pointing up, initially rest against the palm and fingers of the stationary flat-hand (the hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palm facing in and fingers pointing to the side. Both hands are in front of the body at chest level. The active hand then slides up a few inches.
1118The act of grass or wheat growing or sprouting.
1119The fingers of the active hand represent blades of grass growing out of the soil and above the ground (represented by the stationary hand). Grass consists of the often green blades or stalks that grow on the surface of the ground. Spring is the season in which many plants, flowers, and grasses sprout and start to grow.
1120The L-hand (the index finger and thumb are extended from an otherwise closed hand and form a right angle), palm facing diagonally down and index finger pointing forward and diagonally down with the thumb pointing to the side, initially is held in front of one side of the body at waist level. The hand then moves forward and diagonally down about six to nine inches as it closes into a baby O-hand (the index finger and thumb are curved and touch at their tips from an otherwise closed hand), palm facing down and knuckles pointing forward. The forearm then moves up several inches.
1121The act of picking something up with a gripper or reaching tool.
1122The index finger and thumb represent the jaws of a gripper or reaching device (represented by the rest of the hand and arm). Initially, the jaws are open, but then they move down and close around an item (represented by the intermediate position), and then pick up the item (represented by the final position). A gripper, grabber, or reacher is a mechanical device often used by older individuals to pick something up from the ground or floor without having to bend over.
GROUP

Synonyms: Assembly (gathering), Batch, Belong (to a group), Category, Class, Classmates, Cohort, Committee, Community (of people), Department, Discussion Group, Flock (herd), Gathering, Herd (group), Quorum, Seminar, Small Group, Team
1123Curved-hands (the fingers and thumbs are together and curved), palms facing out and fingers pointing mostly up, initially are held next to each other just in front of the body at upper chest level. (The edges of the index fingers and thumbs may touch). The hands then arc to opposite sides, forward, and back together again, rotating so that the palms face in and the edges of the little fingers touch.
1124The act of grouping together several things or people.
1125The hands represent the boundary of a collection of items or a group of people. The hands may also represent classmates seated in a circle. A class is a study group to which a person belongs. A group is a gathering of people, animals, or objects in a defined location. A team is a group of people who work together to accomplish a goal.
GROW (PERSON OR ANIMAL)

Synonyms: Growth, Grow Up, Mature, Maturity, Raise Kids, Rear (raise), Upbringing
1126The flat-hand (the hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palm facing down and fingers pointing forward, initially is held to the side of the body at waist level. The hand then moves up to head level.
1127The act of a person growing up.
1128The initial position of the hand represents the short height of a young child. As that child grows through adolescence into adulthood (represented by the final position), the hand moves up to represent the increase in his or her height. To grow means to increase in size or height. To mature means for a person to become adult-like, often referring to a person’s emotional growth as well as his or her assumption of work, financial, and familial responsibilities.
GUESS

Synonyms: Assume, Assumption, Conjecture, Estimate, Speculate, Speculation, Speculative, Surmise
1129The spread- or 5-hand (the hand is flat with fingers spread apart and extended), palm facing to the side and fingers pointing up, initially is held in front of one side of the body at lower face level. The hand then closes into a fist (the hand forms a fist), palm facing to the side and knuckles pointing up, as it moves quickly to the other side of the face. (To indicate the meaning Estimate, make this sign at forehead level.)
1130The act of trying to grasp at something or make a guess.
1131The movement of the hand represents a person’s attempt to grasp at a response. A guess, assumption, conjecture, or speculation is an answer based on little evidence or serious thinking, represented by the closeness to the mouth. An estimate is an answer based on evidence or cogent thought, represented by the closeness to the brain.
1132The claw-hand (the fingers are spread apart and bent), palm facing in and knuckles pointing to the side, initially is held just in front of the body above waist level. The hand then arcs a short distance up and down. (The tips of the fingers may graze the body.) The action is repeated a couple of times.
1133The act of playing a guitar.
1134The fingers are used to strum or graze the strings of an imaginary guitar or banjo that is held in front of a person’s body. A guitar is a musical instrument with strings that are plucked or strummed. Banjos and ukuleles are similar, but often smaller, instruments.
1135The L-hand (the index finger and thumb are extended from an otherwise closed hand and form a right angle), palm facing to the side and index finger pointing forward with the thumb pointing up, is held in front of one side of the body at chest level. (To indicate the meaning Shoot, move the hand slightly up and down.)
1136The hand resembles the shape of a handgun.
1137The index finger and thumb represent the barrel and hammer of a handgun, pistol, or revolver; the rest of the hand represents the gun’s grip. A gun or firearm is a weapon that shoots bullets (small metal projectiles) at high speed. Moving the hand slightly represents the expulsion of bullets and the resulting recoil as the gun is used to shoot at someone or something.
1138The tips of the index finger and thumb of the baby O-hand (the index finger and thumb are curved and touch at their tips from an otherwise closed hand), palm facing to the side and knuckles pointing up, pinch a small clump of hair on the side of the head. The hand may wiggle slightly.
1139The act of pinching a small amount of hair.
1140The index finger and thumb grasp some strands of hair on a person’s head. Hair is the threadlike material that grows out of a person’s skin (especially referring to the hair on the top and sides of a person’s head). A mane is the longer hair on the top ridge of a horse’s or pony’s neck and head.
HAIRCUT

Synonyms: Barber, Barber Shop, Beauty Salon, Cut One’s Hair, Hairdresser, Hair Scissors, Trim One’s Hair
1141The index and middle fingers of the V-hand (the index and middle fingers are spread apart and extended from an otherwise closed hand in the shape of a “V”), palm facing down and fingers pointing to the side and slightly up, initially are held next to the side of the head near temple level. The index and middle fingers then close and open a few times.
1142The act of trimming or cutting off some of one’s hair.
1143The index and middle fingers represent the blades of a barber’s or hairdresser’s scissors as they open and close while cutting or trimming a person’s hair. A haircut refers to the act of cutting off some of the length of the hair on a person’s head. A barber or hairdresser is a person who cuts and styles hair for a living.
1144The C-hand (the fingers are together and curved, with the thumb opposite the fingers), palm facing to the side and fingers pointing mostly diagonally up, initially is held just above and to one side of the head. The hand then arcs back and forth. Puffing one’s cheeks and blowing out air are appropriate.
1145The act of using a blow dryer to dry one’s hair.
1146The hand represents the rounded barrel of a handheld electric hair dryer as it blows out warm air and dries a person’s wet hair. A hair dryer or blow dryer is a mechanical device that heats air and then blows out that air to dry and help to style a person’s hair.
HALLOWEEN

Synonyms: Costume, Disguise, Face Mask, Halloween Mask, Mask (face), Mask (Halloween), Masquerade, Raccoon
1147V-hands (the index and middle fingers are spread apart and extended from otherwise closed hands in the shape of a “V”), palms facing in and fingers pointing at each other and to opposite sides, touch the face with the index fingers above the eyes and the middle fingers below.
1148The act of looking through the eyeholes of a mask on Halloween.
1149The index and middle fingers outline the eyeholes of a Halloween mask or costume. Halloween is a holiday in which many people dress up in costumes or disguises; it is celebrated on October 31. The fingers may also represent the dark markings around a raccoon’s eyes. A raccoon is a medium-sized, often nocturnal mammal with grayish fur, a long tail with rings or bands of darker fur, and dark mask-like markings around its eyes.
1150The tips of the fingers of spread- or 5-hands (each hand is flat with fingers spread apart and extended), palms facing each other and to opposite sides and fingers pointing up, initially touch the temples (the sides of the forehead). The hands then move a short distance away to opposite sides as the fingers wiggle.
1151The act of one’s thoughts racing wildly during a hallucination.
1152The wiggling fingers represent disordered thoughts or delusional notions coming out of a person’s mind (represented by the location near the head) during a hallucination. A hallucination or delusion is a visual and/or auditory perception that exists in a person’s mind but does not exist in external reality. Persons taking illicit drugs, suffering from sleep deprivation, delirious from a severe fever, or who have certain mental disorders or psychosis may experience hallucinations.
1153Flat-hands (each hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palms facing each other and to opposite sides and fingers pointing up, initially are held about six inches apart just in front of the body at chest level. The hands then move forward about a foot (until the arms are almost fully extended).
1154The act of showing the walls of a hallway.
1155The hands represent the walls of a hallway, corridor, or enclosed livestock chute. A hallway is a relatively narrow passageway leading to different rooms in a building. An alley typically is a constricted space between the walls of two adjacent buildings. Alleys are often used to store garbage cans and trash bins, but they may also allow the passage of pedestrian and/or vehicular traffic.
1156The flat-hand (the hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palm facing out and fingers pointing up, is extended forward in front of the body at upper chest level.
1157The act of using one’s hand to halt or stop a person’s forward movement.
1158The hand represents a stop sign that signals that a vehicle or person should first cease movement before proceeding through an intersection. An individual also may use his or her hand to block another person’s path and convey that that person should halt or stay in his or her current location. Halt means to come to a complete stop or to cease movement.
1159Partially closed C-hands (the fingers are together and curved, with the thumbs opposite the fingers), palms and fingers pointing diagonally in and slightly up to opposite sides and knuckles pointing up, initially are held a short distance in front of and below the chin. The hands then move toward the mouth as the mouth opens.
1160The act of eating a hamburger.
1161The hands hold an imaginary hamburger in a bun and then bring it toward a person’s mouth for a bite (represented by the open mouth). A hamburger or burger is an extremely popular sandwich made with a cooked ground beef patty typically served in a round roll with various toppings.
1162The fist (the hand forms a fist), palm facing to the side and knuckles pointing diagonally up, initially is held in front of one side of the body near upper chest level. The fist then arcs forward and down to near waist level. The action is repeated.
1163The act of swinging a hammer.
1164The hand grasps the handle of an imaginary hammer or mallet and then swings the hammer to hit a nail. A hammer is a handheld tool with a solid (typically metal) head that is used to drive nails into a surface. Hammers are also used to pound away at and mold metals (such as iron) into various forms.
1165The index finger of the active pointing-hand (the index finger is extended from an otherwise closed hand), palm and index finger pointing diagonally down and knuckles pointing diagonally forward, is held close to and points to the back of the stationary hand, palm facing down. Both hands are in front of the body at chest level.
1166The act of showing the location of one’s hand.
1167The index finger of the upper hand points to or indicates the location of the back of a person’s lower hand. The hand, in primates, is the appendage located at the end of the forearm that is used for grasping and manipulating objects.
1168The index finger of the active pointing-hand (the index finger is extended from an otherwise closed hand), palm facing diagonally out and finger pointing up, is bent slightly as it is initially held a short distance away from the stationary pointing-hand, palm facing in and finger pointing diagonally forward to the opposite side. Both hands are in front of the body at chest level. The active index finger then moves to rest on the middle of the stationary index finger.
1169The act of putting a clothes hanger on a rod.
1170The bent index finger of the active hand represents the hook of a clothes hanger as it is placed on a horizontal rod or bar (represented by the index finger of the stationary hand). A clothes hanger is a wire or plastic frame upon which a garment may be suspended; clothes hangers are typically placed on a rod or bar located inside a closet. To hang means to support or suspend something from above.
HAPPY

Synonyms: Blissful, Cheer (happy), Cheerful, Content, Delighted, Ecstatic, Elated, Euphoric, Exult, Glad, Happiness, Jolly, Jovial, Joy, Joyful, Jubilant, Merry, Overjoyed, Rejoice, Satisfied, Thrilled
1171The flat-hand (the hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palm facing in and fingers pointing to the side, initially is held against the lower chest. The hand then arcs up and slightly forward. The action is repeated. A smile or happy facial expression is appropriate.
1172The act of one’s heart leaping for joy and happiness.
1173The hand represents positive emotions, joy, or happiness flowing up and out of the depths of a person’s heart (represented by the initial position). The heart is frequently depicted as the source of human emotions. A person who is happy is cheerful, content, blissful, delighted, glad, merry, or filled with a sense of well-being and satisfaction.
1174The flat-hand (the hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palm facing down and fingers pointing to the side, initially is held just above the head. The hand then moves down to rest on top of the head.
1175The act of putting a hat on top of one’s head.
1176The hand represents a hat that is placed on top of a person’s head. A hat is a covering for the head that helps to protect a person’s head from the sun and keep the head dry in bad weather (such as rain, sleet, or snow).
HAVE

Synonyms: Belong (possession), Belongings, Claim (as one’s own), Own, Owner, Possess, Possessions, Property (belongings)
1177Bent-hands (the fingers are together and extended at right angles with respect to the palms), palms and fingers pointing in and knuckles pointing at each other and to opposite sides, initially are held about six inches apart and about four to six inches in front of the body at chest level. The hands then move in until the tips of the fingers touch the chest.
1178The act of bringing what one has toward one’s body.
1179The hands represent a person’s belongings, property, or possessions as they are brought close to one’s body. To have something means to own or be in possession of it.
1180Tapered- or O-hands (the fingers are together and curved, with the finger tips touching the thumb tips), palms facing out and knuckles pointing up, initially are held in front of the sides of the body at chest level. The hands then open into spread curved-hands (the fingers are spread apart and curved), palms facing out and fingers pointing mostly up. The action is repeated several times.
1181The act of a vehicle’s hazard lights blinking on and off.
1182The hands represent a vehicle’s blinking hazard or emergency lights. As the lights flash on, the hands open and the extended fingers represent beams of light. As the lights flash off, the hands close. Hazard lights are blinking or flashing lights that warn of danger or potential risk and indicate to drivers and pedestrians to slow down and proceed with caution.
1183The pointing-hand (the index finger is extended from an otherwise closed hand), palm facing down and finger pointing to the side, is held close to and points to the side of the head.
1184The act of showing the location of one’s head.
1185The index finger points to or indicates the location of a person’s head, which rests on top of the spinal column and contains the brain. The head is located in the front or top portion of a person or animal. The cranium, or skull, is the bony structure of the head that surrounds and protects the brain.
1186The curved-hand (the fingers and thumb are together and curved), palm facing diagonally in and fingers pointing mostly up, initially is held a couple of inches away from the temple (the side of the forehead). The tips of the fingers then tap the temple a couple of times. A squint, frown, or pained facial expression is appropriate.
1187The act of one’s head throbbing in pain.
1188The tapping movement of the hand on the temple represents a throbbing pain in a person’s head (represented by the location). Squinting and frowning convey that a headache or migraine is a painful experience.
1189The tips of the fingers and thumbs of C-hands (the fingers are together and curved, with the thumbs opposite the fingers), palms facing each other and to opposite sides and fingers pointing mostly up, touch the sides of the head with the palms over the ears. (This sign may also be made with the fingers slightly apart.)
1190The act of putting on headphones or earmuffs.
1191The hands represent the large headphones that were often used in the past to listen to music or when a person got his or her hearing tested. Headphones and headsets are private listening devices that cover the ears. The hands may also represent earmuffs worn over a person’s ears to keep his or her ears warm in winter or cold weather. Audiology is the branch of medicine that specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of hearing, auditory, and balance disorders.
HEALTHY

Synonyms: Cure, Cured, Fit (healthy), Good Health, Good Shape, Health, Recover (health), Recover One’s Health, Vitality (health)
Antonyms: Poor Health, Unhealthy
1192The tips of the fingers of flat-hands (each hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palms facing in and fingers pointing at each other and to opposite sides, initially touch the upper chest near the shoulders. The hands then move forward about six to nine inches as they close into fists (each hand forms a fist), palms facing in and knuckles pointing at each other and to opposite sides with the thumbs extended and pointing up. A smile or happy facial expression is appropriate. (To indicate the meanings Poor Health or Unhealthy, make this sign but rotate the fists so that the palms face out and thumbs point down. An unhappy facial expression is appropriate.)
1193The act of giving two thumbs up about the good health of one’s body.
1194Each hand initially touches the chest to draw attention to the body and then makes the sign for Good (thumbs up) to signify that a person’s body is in good shape and that the individual is healthy. Healthy means to be fit and not show signs of disease.
1195Curved-hands (the fingers and thumbs are together and curved), palms facing each other and to opposite sides and fingers pointing mostly forward, initially are held in front of the sides of the body at lower chest level. The hands then arc up to upper chest level and toward each other, touch along the edges of the thumbs, and then return to their original position. The action may be repeated.
1196The act of showing the top and sides of a pile or heap of material.
1197The hands outline the approximate shape of a mound of dirt or a heap of stuff piled up on a surface. A heap, mound, or pile is a large collection of things thrown together in one place. The hands may also represent the rounded sides and top of a dome or igloo. An igloo is a small, rounded shelter made from ice and/or snow.
1198The index finger of the pointing-hand (the index finger is extended from an otherwise closed hand), palm facing out and finger pointing up, is bent slightly as the edge of the index finger rests against the side of the head above and behind the ear.
1199The hand resembles the general shape and location of a hearing aid.
1200The bent index finger represents an external hearing aid that is worn behind a person’s ear. A hearing aid is a portable device worn by hearing-impaired persons to improve their hearing or enhance their ability to perceive sounds.
1201The tips of the index fingers of pointing-hands (the index fingers are extended from otherwise closed hands), palms facing in and fingers pointing diagonally down to opposite sides, initially touch on the center of the upper chest. The fingers then draw the shape of a heart by arcing apart, down, and then back together again.
1202The act of drawing the symbolic shape of one’s heart.
1203The index fingers draw the symbolic shape of a person’s heart. The heart is the key organ for pumping blood throughout the body and is located near the center of the chest. Cardiology is the branch of medicine dedicated to the study of the heart and the treatment of its ailments. Valentine’s Day is a holiday celebrating love; it is observed on February 14.
1204The spread- or 5-hand (the hand is flat with fingers spread apart and extended), palm facing in and fingers pointing to the side, initially is held on the center of the chest. The hand then closes into a fist (the hand forms a fist). The action may be repeated. A frown, unhappy, or pained facial expression is appropriate.
1205The act of feeling one’s chest tighten during a heart attack.
1206The fingers of the 5-hand represent blood flowing through a person’s heart and body and the fist represents a blockage or stoppage of that blood flow near the heart (represented by the location). In a heart attack or cardiac arrest, there is an insufficient supply of blood to the heart, often resulting in acute pain. A person may feel his or her chest tighten as the heart contracts in a painful spasm (represented by the hand closing into a fist).
1207The spread- or 5-hand (the hand is flat with fingers spread apart and extended), palm facing in and fingers pointing diagonally up, initially is held on the center of the chest. The hand then moves up a short distance as the fingers wiggle. A frown, unhappy, or pained facial expression is appropriate.
1208The act of feeling heartburn rising in one’s chest.
1209The wiggling fingers, which resemble the flames of a fire, represent a burning sensation rising in a person’s chest during an episode of heartburn or acid reflux. Heartburn is a burning sensation or discomfort in the chest often caused by acid rising from the stomach up into a person’s throat or esophagus.
1210Flat-hands (each hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palms facing down and fingers pointing forward and diagonally up, initially are held in front of the sides of the body above waist level. The hands then move slightly from side to side.
1211The act of warming one’s hands at a fireplace or heater.
1212A person who is cold may warm his or her hands near a fireplace or heater. A heater is an electric or fuel-powered device that produces and imparts heat to the air around it. A radiator is a series of pipes through which hot water flows to disperse heat and warmth.
1213Curved-hands (the fingers and thumbs are together and curved), palms facing up and fingers pointing mostly forward, initially are held just in front of and to the sides of the body above waist level. The hands then slowly move down about six to nine inches as the signer bends forward slightly.
1214The act of holding a heavy object.
1215A person holds an imaginary object that is so heavy that it causes him or her to bend over. Something that is heavy has great weight and often is hard to lift or carry. Weight is a measurement of the heft of a person, animal, or object and is usually expressed in pounds and ounces, kilograms and grams, or tons.
1216The spread- or 5-hand (the hand is flat with fingers spread apart and extended), palm facing out and fingers pointing up, initially is held next to the head. The hand then arcs from side to side a few times.
1217The act of waving hello.
1218Saying hi or hello is a common expression of greeting. Waving one hand from side to side is a traditional way to greet another person’s arrival.
1219The edges of the index finger and thumb of the flat-hand (the hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palm facing out and fingers pointing diagonally up, initially rest against the temple (the side of the forehead). The hand then arcs about six inches diagonally forward and slightly up.
1220The act of waving hello.
1221Saying hi or hello is a common expression of greeting. Moving one hand from the temple out to the side is a gestural way to greet another person’s arrival.
1222Fists (each hand forms a fist), palms facing each other and to opposite sides and knuckles pointing up, initially are held slightly above the sides of the head. The fists then slide down to the tops of the ears.
1223The act of putting a helmet or hard hat on one’s head.
1224The hands grasp an imaginary helmet or hard hat and then pull it down over a person’s head. A helmet is a covering used to protect the head from damaging blows. Helmets are typically made of hard external material with padding inside. Football players, horseback riders, and construction workers often wear helmets or hard hats.
1225Curved-hands (the fingers and thumbs are together and curved), palms facing up and fingers pointing mostly diagonally forward to opposite sides, initially rest one on top of the other in front of the body just above waist level. The lower hand then pushes the upper hand straight up about six to nine inches.
1226The act of helping someone to raise or lift up an object.
1227The lower hand represents the hand of one person helping to lift the weight of an object held in the hand of another person (represented by the upper hand). To help means to provide assistance or aid to someone in performing a task or doing something.
1228Pointing-hands (the index fingers are extended from otherwise closed hands), palms and fingers pointing down and knuckles pointing forward, initially are held about six inches apart in front of the body at chest level. The hands then move down a short distance.
1229The act of showing that one is here.
1230The index fingers point to or indicate a person’s current location: right here. Here means in or at this particular or specific place. This sign may also be used to represent that someone should stay in his or her current location.
1231Fists (each hand forms a fist), palms facing in and knuckles pointing at each other and to opposite sides, initially are held about six inches apart on the upper chest. The fists then abruptly move up and down a short distance at the same time that the shoulders are raised and lowered. Breathing in and out with the movement of the fists and shoulders is appropriate.
1232The act of suffering a spasmodic inhalation or hiccup.
1233The quick movement of the fists and shoulders represents the sharp inhalation and exhalation of a hiccup. Hiccups involve a sudden, spasmodic contraction of the diaphragm as a person takes in air.
HIDE

Synonyms: Absence, Absent, Clandestine, Conceal, Covert, Cover-Up, Disappear, Disappearance, Gone, Hidden, Lost (person), Missing, Vanish
1234The pointing-hand (the index finger is extended from an otherwise closed hand), palm facing out and finger pointing up, initially is held in front of the body at upper chest level. The hand then moves to behind the lower back, rotating so that the palm faces back and the finger points to the side.
1235The act of a person hiding or disappearing from sight.
1236The index finger represents a person who is originally present and visible (represented by the initial position), but then disappears, is hidden from sight, or is no longer present (represented by the final position). To hide means to conceal or put someone or something out of sight. When a person is missing or lost, his or her current location is unknown.
1237Flat-hands (each hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palms facing down and fingers pointing forward, initially are held a few inches apart in front of the body above waist level. The hands then alternately arc forward a few times (several inches at a time).
1238The act of moving one’s feet forward while on a hike.
1239The hands represent a person’s feet moving forward while hiking. A hike or trek is a walk of considerable distance, often over uneven terrain. The hands may also represent footprints (the impressions made by a person’s feet or shoes in soil or on the ground).
1240The tip of the index finger of the pointing-hand (the index finger is extended from an otherwise closed hand), palm facing in and finger pointing diagonally down, touches the front of the hip (near the side of the body).
1241The act of showing the location of one’s hip.
1242The index finger points to or indicates the location of one of a person’s hips. Hips are the projections of the upper femur bones and the side of the pelvic bones. Hips are located near the sides of a person’s waist. The pelvis is the region of a person’s body between the abdomen and thighs. The term pelvis also refers to the pelvic bones of the lower spine together with the various bones of the hip.
1243The active fist (the hand forms a fist), palm facing in and knuckles pointing to the side, initially is held about six to nine inches to the side of the stationary flat-hand (the hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palm facing to the side and fingers pointing forward. Both hands are in front of the body at chest level. The fist then moves forcefully to contact the stationary palm.
1244The act of hitting or punching someone.
1245A person may use his or her fist to hit or punch another person or an object (represented by the stationary hand). To hit means to strike or beat someone or something forcefully. The moment of impact is the time at which an object collides with something else (e.g., another object, a target, or the ground).
1246The active C-hand (the fingers are together and curved, with the thumb opposite the fingers), palm facing in and fingers pointing mostly to the side, initially is held about six inches to the side of the upright stationary forearm, palm facing out. Both hands are in front of one side of the body near upper chest level. The active hand then moves to grasp the stationary wrist and holds it for a short time.
1247The act of grasping or holding something.
1248The active hand reaches out to hold or grasp someone or something (represented by the upright stationary forearm). To hold means to keep in a person’s arms or to grip, grasp, or clutch a person, animal, or object with one or both hands.
1249The index finger of the active pointing-hand (the index finger is extended from an otherwise closed hand), palm facing in and finger pointing to the side, is held close to and points to the opening of the stationary tapered- or O-hand (the fingers are together and curved, with the finger tips touching the thumb tip), palm facing down and slightly to the side and knuckles pointing forward. Both hands are in front of the body at lower chest level.
1250The act of pointing to a hole.
1251The index finger of the active hand points to or indicates the hole or circular opening between the index finger and thumb of the stationary hand. A hole is an opening or aperture into something.
HOLSTER

Synonyms: Belt Clip, Colostomy Bag or Pouch, Fanny Pack, Ostomy/Urostomy Bag or Pouch, Utility Belt
1252The base of the flat-hand (the hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palm facing diagonally in and fingers pointing down and slightly out to the side, rests against the side of the waist.
1253The act of showing the location of a holster or colostomy bag.
1254The hand represents the approximate size and location of a holster. A holster is a leather or fabric case that is used to hold a handgun and is often worn on a person’s hip. The hand may also represent a fanny pack, utility belt, or colostomy bag or pouch hanging around the waist. A colostomy bag is a sterile pouch that collects a person’s waste through an opening in the abdominal wall.
1255The index finger of the pointing-hand (the index finger is extended from an otherwise closed hand), palm facing to the side and finger pointing forward, is bent as it is initially held about six to nine inches in front of the body near chest level. The hand then moves a short distance toward the signer.
1256The act of pulling something with a hook.
1257The bent index finger represents a hook that is used to drag or pull an imaginary object toward a person’s body. A hook is a metal, wood, or plastic device that is curved or bent at one end and may be used to drag, lift, or hold up items.
1258The fist (the hand forms a fist), palm facing down and knuckles pointing forward, initially is held in front of the opposite side of the body at upper chest level. The fist then moves horizontally to the other side.
1259The act of showing the length of a horizontal rod.
1260The fist grasps and slides down the length of an imaginary horizontal bar or rod. Horizontal means level or parallel to the ground or floor. A rod or bar is a pole, typically made of metal, that is used in the construction of support railings, fencing, cages, jail cells, and other structures.
HORN (MUSICAL)

Synonyms: Brass Instrument, Bugle, Euphonium (tuba), Flugelhorn, French Horn, Kazoo, Mouthpiece (musical), Party Favors (blowouts, noisemakers), Sousaphone, Tuba
1261The edges of the index finger and thumb of the tapered- or O-hand (the fingers are together and curved, with the finger tips touching the thumb tip), palm facing to the side and knuckles pointing up, rest against the lips and mouth area. Blowing air through the hand is appropriate.
1262The act of playing a bugle or horn.
1263The hand represents the round or oval mouthpiece through which a person blows air to play a musical horn or instrument (such as a bugle, kazoo, or tuba). A musical horn is a brass instrument that a person blows into to produce sound. The hand may also represent the mouthpiece of noisemakers, blowouts, and other such party favors.
HOSPITAL

Synonyms: Assisted Living Facility, Clinic, Doctor’s Office, Emergency Room, Infirmary, Medical Insignia, Nursing Home, Red Cross
1264The tips of the index and middle fingers of the H-hand (the index and middle fingers are together and extended from an otherwise closed hand), palm facing in and fingers pointing to the side, trace the shape of a cross on the upper part of the stationary arm. (The fingers first move a short distance horizontally from the outer edge of the stationary arm to the inner edge. The fingers are then repositioned above the center of the initial line and move a short distance down.)
1265The act of drawing a common hospital or medical insignia.
1266The index and middle fingers draw the shape of the plus-sign insignia of a hospital, infirmary, or of the Red Cross (an international medical relief agency). A hospital is an institution that provides medical care to the injured and sick. Emergency medical technicians and relief personnel often wear a patch on the upper arm to denote their medical agency affiliation.
1267The tips of the index fingers and thumbs of baby O-hands (the index fingers and thumbs are curved and touch at their tips from otherwise closed hands), palms facing each other and to opposite sides and knuckles pointing up, initially touch in front of the lower neck. The hands then move apart and behind the back of the neck.
1268The act of tying the strings of a hospital gown.
1269The index fingers and thumbs grasp the upper strings of an imaginary hospital gown (after first putting the gown over the front of a person’s body) and then tie the strings behind that person’s neck. A hospital gown is a garment worn by patients in a hospital. A bib is a piece of cloth worn on the front of a person’s chest to protect his or her clothes from food. A smock is a loose-fitting garment worn over one’s clothes to prevent them from getting dirty while working.
HOT

Synonyms: Fan (handheld), Heat, Heating Pad, Hot Flash, Hyperthermia, Stuffy (hot), Summer, Warm
1270The spread- or 5-hand (the hand is flat with fingers spread apart and extended), palm facing in and fingers pointing diagonally up, initially is held in front of and to the side of the lower face and upper chest. The hand then arcs back and forth several times. A slightly open mouth is appropriate. (To indicate the meaning Heating Pad, make this sign and then place the hand on the lower back, palm facing forward and fingers pointing diagonally down.)
1271The act of fanning oneself because one feels hot.
1272The hand represents a handheld fan that a person uses to stir the air and cool off in the summer or when he or she is feeling hot. Something that is hot has a high degree of heat or warmth. Summer is the season of hot weather. Hyperthermia is a medical condition in which a person’s body temperature rises to a dangerously high level. A heating pad is an electrical device with a rectangular pad that transmits heat and warmth when applied to areas of a person’s body.
1273The index finger of the active pointing-hand (the index finger is extended from an otherwise closed hand), palm facing down and finger pointing diagonally forward, initially is held a few inches above the stationary curved-hand (the fingers and thumbs are together and curved), palm facing up and fingers pointing mostly diagonally forward to the opposite side. Both hands are in front of the body at lower chest level. The active hand then arcs down until the index finger rests on the stationary palm.
1274The act of putting a hot dog in a bun.
1275The index finger of the active hand represents a hot dog or wiener as it is placed inside of a hot dog bun (represented by the stationary hand). A hot dog is a cooked frankfurter or wiener that is often served in a split bun with various toppings.
1276The active pointing-hand (the index finger is extended from an otherwise closed hand), palm facing to the side and finger pointing up, initially is held just to the side of or touching the fingers and upper palm of the stationary flat-hand (the hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palm facing to the opposite side and fingers pointing up. Both hands are in front of the body near upper chest or shoulder level. The active hand then circles in a clockwise direction around the stationary hand until it is back in its initial position.
1277The act of an hour passing on a clock.
1278The index finger of the active hand represents the minute hand on a clock’s face (represented by the stationary hand). When the active hand completes a full revolution, it means an hour (a time period of sixty minutes) has passed. A clock is a device for keeping track of time.
HOUSE

Synonyms: Abode, Apartment, Cabin, Domicile, Dwelling, Flat (apartment), Home, Residence, Roof
1279The tips of the fingers of flat-hands (each hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palms facing each other and to opposite sides and fingers pointing diagonally up to opposite sides, touch in front of the body just below chin level and form about a 60° angle. The hands may move a short distance diagonally down to opposite sides.
1280The hands resemble the roof of a house.
1281The hands represent the sides of a pitched or gabled roof on a house. A house, domicile, dwelling, or home is a residence or building intended primarily for humans to live in. A roof is the top covering of a house or other building. An apartment or flat is one of a number of independent dwellings located inside of a single building.
1282Flat-hands (each hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palms facing up and fingers pointing forward, initially are held next to the sides of the body at chest level. The hands and shoulders then move a short distance up and back down (in a shrug). A questioning facial expression is appropriate.
1283The act of shrugging one’s shoulders to ask how something will be done.
1284The questioning facial expression, shrugging of the shoulders, and the hands facing palm up depict someone who does not know something or who wants more information. How is an expression that asks in what manner or way something will be done.
1285Fists (each hand forms a fist), palms facing in and knuckles pointing diagonally up to opposite sides, initially are extended forward at chest level with the arms crossed at the wrists. The arms then move a few inches toward the body.
1286The act of hugging or embracing someone.
1287An individual puts his or her arms around an imaginary person and then brings the arms closer to his or her body to mimic the action of giving that person a hug. A hug is an affectionate embrace with a person’s arms.
1288The tips of the fingers and thumb of the tapered-or O-hand (the fingers are together and curved, with the finger tips touching the thumb tip), palm facing in and knuckles pointing to the side, initially touch the stomach area. The wrist and forearm then rotate up and down a short distance. A frown or unhappy facial expression is appropriate.
1289The act of one’s stomach growling with hunger pangs.
1290The O-hand represents the concept of Zero or emptiness as it is held near the location of a person’s stomach. The movement of the hand represents the hunger pangs of an empty or growling stomach. When a person is hungry, his or her body is in need of food or nourishment.
HURRY

Synonyms: Encourage, Encouragement, Faster, Goad (urge), Hasten, Hustle (hurry), Make Haste, Rush, Speed Up, Urge
1291Flat-hands (each hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palms facing out and fingers pointing down, initially are held to the sides of the body near waist level. The hands then flip up as the arms move forward a short distance, ending with the palms facing mostly up and fingers pointing forward. The action is repeated.
1292The act of encouraging someone to hurry or speed up.
1293The hands arc forward in a motion to urge or encourage someone to hurry, speed up, hustle, or move faster. To hurry or hasten means to move rapidly or to cause to move more rapidly. To urge means to encourage, persuade, or prompt someone to take action.
1294The pointing-hand (the index finger is extended from an otherwise closed hand), palm facing down and finger pointing to the side and diagonally down, initially is held several inches in front of the forehead with the tip of the index finger at or near eye level. The index finger then slowly swings from side to side in a shallow arc or U-shape. (This sign can also be made by swinging the entire hand from side to side.) Droopy eyelids and a sleepy facial expression are appropriate.
1295The act of putting someone under hypnosis.
1296The index finger represents the chain on a pocket watch, necklace, or other object that is swung back and forth in front of a person’s eyes to induce a trance or hypnotic state in that individual. Hypnosis is an altered, trance-like state of consciousness.
1297Spread- or 5-hands (each hand is flat with fingers spread apart and extended), palms facing down and fingers pointing forward, initially are held about six inches apart in front of the body at lower chest level. The hands then become claw-hands (the fingers are spread apart and bent) as they move a short distance toward the body and come to an abrupt stop.
1298The act of water freezing into ice.
1299The fingers initially represent free-flowing water, but then the fingers bend and become motionless as the water freezes and hardens into ice. Ice is water (or another liquid) that has been frozen and solidified. The fingers may also represent the treads on a vehicle’s tires as the tires try to grip the surface of a slippery, icy road. Frost is a coating of ice that may form on a surface when the temperature drops below freezing.
1300The fist (the hand forms a fist), palm facing to the side and knuckles pointing diagonally up, initially is held in front of the open mouth. The fist then arcs or rotates back until the knuckles point up. The action is repeated.
1301The act of eating an ice cream cone.
1302The hand holds an imaginary ice cream cone or popsicle as a person licks it. Ice cream is a cold, semi-solid, sweetened food made with cream and butterfat. Ice cream is often served in an edible cone. A popsicle is an ice cream or frozen flavored water treat served on a stick.
1303The tips of the index finger and thumb of the active G-hand (the index finger and thumb are extended from an otherwise closed hand and are parallel), palm and fingers pointing diagonally forward and down and knuckles pointing forward, initially touch the far side of the stationary wrist, palm facing down. Both hands are in front of the body at lower chest level. The active index finger and thumb then slide across the top of the stationary wrist to the near side.
1304The act of showing the location of an ID bracelet on one’s wrist.
1305The thumb and index finger of the active hand outline the approximate width of an ID bracelet or band worn on a patient’s wrist in a medical facility. ID bracelets often contain a person’s name and important medical information. This sign may also be used to refer to the medic alert bracelets that a person with severe drug allergies, diabetes, or other medical conditions may wear to inform others in case of a medical emergency.
IDEA

Synonyms: Abstract (theoretical), Apprehend (understand), Comprehend, Concept, Conceptual, Fathom (understand), Hypothetical, Hypothesize, Intangible (abstract), Notion, Philosophy, Principle, Realization, Realize, Theoretical, Theory, Understand
1306The tip of the index finger of the pointing-hand (the index finger is extended from an otherwise closed hand), palm facing to the side and finger pointing diagonally up, initially touches the temple (the side of the forehead). The hand then moves about six inches diagonally up, forward, and out to the side.
1307The act of thinking up an idea.
1308The index finger represents an idea coming out of or emerging from the area of a person’s brain or mind associated with thinking (represented by the initial position). An idea is a mental representation or concept that is formed in a person’s mind. To comprehend means to understand something or realize how something works.
IGNORE

Synonyms: Brush Off (ignore), Disregard, Neglect, Negligence, Negligent, Shirk, Turn Away From
1309The flat-hand (the hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palm facing down and fingers pointing diagonally back, initially touches the top of the opposite shoulder as the signer looks in the other direction. The hand then brushes several inches out to the side. The action is repeated. A neutral facial expression is appropriate.
1310The act of ignoring or brushing off something.
1311The hand brushes off an imaginary burden or duty from a person’s shoulder as that person ignores the burden or duty by turning away and looking in the opposite direction. To ignore means to not pay attention to someone or to disregard something that is going on. To neglect means to allow a situation to decline or to disregard, shirk, or ignore the needs or requirements of a person, animal, object, or job.
IMMIGRATION

Synonyms: Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Immigration and Naturalization Services (INS), Immigration Control, Step Forward
1312Flat-hands (each hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palms facing in and fingers pointing at each other and to opposite sides, initially are held about nine inches apart and a foot above the shoulders with the forearms upright. The hands then bend until the fingers point back. The action is repeated.
1313The act of an immigration agent beckoning someone to step forward.
1314At an immigration office, people often wait in a line near a counter. An immigration agent then motions to the next person to step forward for processing. Immigration refers to the process of people entering a foreign country with the plan of settling and living there.
IMPORTANT

Synonyms: Critical (significant), Crucial (essential), Essential, Monument, Paramount (vital), Priority, Prominent, Significant, Statue, Trophy, Valuable, Vital
1315The active fist (the hand forms a fist), palm facing in and knuckles pointing to the side with the thumb extended upward, rests on the back of the stationary flat-hand (the hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palm facing down and fingers pointing to the side. Both hands are in front of the body at upper chest level.
1316The act of displaying an important statue in a prominent place.
1317The fist represents a statue, monument, trophy, or other important object that is held up high, displayed in a prominent position, or placed on a platform or shelf (represented by the stationary forearm). Important means someone or something is of significant worth, value, or influence.
IN

Synonyms: Endo- (prefix), Implant, Inborn, Include, Indoors, Inherent, Innate, Inner, Input, Insert, Inside, Interior, Internal, Into, Intra- (prefix), Intrinsic, Involve, Within
1318The active tapered- or O-hand (the fingers are together and curved, with the finger tips touching the thumb tip), palm facing down and knuckles pointing forward, initially is held several inches above the stationary tapered- or O-hand, palm facing to the side and knuckles pointing forward. Both hands are in front of the body at chest level. The active hand then moves down until the tips of the fingers are just inside the top of the stationary hand.
1319The act of putting one thing inside of another thing.
1320The active hand represents an object that is inserted, implanted, or placed inside of something else (represented by the stationary hand). Something that is in is located inside or within the interior area of something else.
1321The tips of the index finger and thumb of the active G-hand (the index finger and thumb are extended from an otherwise closed hand and are parallel), palm and fingers pointing to the side and knuckles pointing forward, touch the knuckle and tip of the thumb of the stationary fist (the hand forms a fist), palm facing to the opposite side, knuckles pointing forward with the thumb on top of the index finger. Both hands are in front of the body at lower chest level.
1322The act of showing an inch in length.
1323The thumb and index finger of the active hand mark off about an inch in length on the stationary thumb. The distance between the tip of the thumb and first knuckle is about an inch long in many adults. An inch is a measure of length equal to 2.54 centimeters or one-twelfth of a foot.
INDIGESTION

Synonyms: Belly Ache, Bloating (intestinal), Colic, Dyspepsia, Gas (intestinal), Gastritis, Gastroenterology, Gastrointestinal, Queasy, Stomach Ache, Stomach Acid, Upset Stomach
1324The tips of the fingers of claw-hands (the fingers are spread apart and bent), palms facing in and knuckles pointing at each other and to opposite sides, initially touch the stomach. The hands then make mirror image circles (one hand circles clockwise as the other hand circles counterclockwise). A frown or unhappy facial expression is appropriate.
1325The act of having indigestion or an upset stomach.
1326The hands represent gas and stomach acid moving and churning in the stomach and/or intestines as a person experiences the pain and discomfort of indigestion or a belly ache. Indigestion refers to an upset stomach or bloating and discomfort in the upper abdomen. Gastroenterology is the branch of medicine that specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders related to the digestive tract (including the esophagus, stomach, liver, gall bladder, pancreas, and intestines).
1327Fists (each hand forms a fist), palms facing each other and to opposite sides and knuckles pointing forward with the thumbs extended and pointing up, initially are held about six to nine inches apart in front of the body at lower chest level. The fists then move up several inches. A smile or happy facial expression is appropriate.
1328The act of giving approval to someone or being in favor of something.
1329One thumb pointing up often represents that something is good; two thumbs moving up represents a strong endorsement or approval. To approve means that one has a positive opinion of something and is in favor of it. An endorsement typically is a show of support or approval of a candidate for political office, a job applicant, or a product. Related to the sign for Good.
INFORMATION

Synonyms: Advice, Advise, Counsel, Information Office, News, Open Mind (ed)
Antonym: Closed Mind (ed)
1330The tips of the fingers of flat-hands (each hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palms facing in and fingers pointing at each other and to opposite sides, initially touch the temples (the sides of the forehead). The hands then rotate so that the palms face each other and to opposite sides and the fingers point forward. (To indicate the meaning Closed Mind (ed), reverse the action of the sign.)
1331The act of opening one’s mind to provide information to others.
1332The hands represent imaginary gates to a person’s mind and brain (represented by the initial position). At first, the gates are closed, but then they swing open and a person’s mind is able to provide information and advice. Information consists of facts, data, and knowledge about something. This sign may also be used to refer to opening a person’s mind to receive information from others. Related to the sign for Gate.
1333Spread- or 5-hands (each hand is flat with fingers spread apart and extended), palms facing out and fingers pointing up, initially are held in front of the body at chest level. The active hand, located about six inches in front of the stationary hand, then moves slightly from side to side.
1334The act of showing the area in front of someone.
1335The active hand represents an object, group of people, or area that is positioned in front of or ahead of another object, group of people, or area (represented by the stationary hand). In front of means ahead of, more forward than, or in advance of others. Fore is a nautical term designating the front or toward the bow of a vessel (when a person is on that vessel).
1336The index finger and thumb of the L-hand (the index finger and thumb are extended from an otherwise closed hand and form a right angle), palm facing to the side and finger pointing up, are bent slightly as the hand is held just in front of the nose and mouth. The index finger then moves down a short distance toward the thumb. An open mouth is appropriate. The action may be repeated.
1337The act of using an inhaler to improve one’s breathing.
1338The hand holds an imaginary inhaler between the index finger and thumb and then activates it by pressing down. An inhaler is a device, often used by persons with asthma, emphysema, or COPD, that delivers breathing medication into the lungs as a person inhales. This medication helps to open up congested airways in the lungs.
1339The edges of the index fingers of flat-hands (each hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palms facing out and fingers pointing up, rest against the sides of the face at eye level. The backs of the thumbs, thumb tips pointing at each other and to opposite sides, rest on the face just below the eyes. The eyes should be wide open.
1340The act of a person having insomnia or being wide awake.
1341The wide open eyes framed by the hands represent a person with insomnia or who is unable to fall asleep. Insomnia refers to a prolonged difficulty obtaining adequate sleep. A person with insomnia is often awake for long periods of time.
1342The tips of the index finger and thumb of the active baby O-hand (the index finger and thumb are curved and touch at their tips from an otherwise closed hand), palm facing down and knuckles pointing diagonally forward, initially touch the upturned palm of the stationary flat-hand (the hand is flat with fingers together and extended), fingers pointing diagonally forward to the opposite side. Both hands are in front of the body at lower chest level. The active hand then moves up to eye level as the signer looks closely at it. The hand may rotate slightly so that the palm faces to the side. Squinting is appropriate.
1343The act of inspecting or examining something.
1344The active hand grasps a small, imaginary object initially held in the stationary hand and then lifts it up to a person’s eyes for careful inspection or scrutiny. To inspect means to look over or examine something carefully.
1345The tip of the index finger of the pointing-hand (the index finger is extended from an otherwise closed hand), palm and finger pointing in and knuckles pointing to the side, initially touches the body in the center of the upper abdomen. The hand then moves from side to side as it descends to the lower abdomen.
1346The act of showing the location of one’s intestines.
1347The index finger points to or indicates the location of a person’s intestines in his or her abdomen. The intestines are part of the digestive system; they are involved in the absorption of nutrients (after food and liquids first pass through the stomach) and the elimination of waste.
INTRAVENOUS INJECTION

Synonyms: IV, IV Fluids, IV Medication, Phlebotomy, Saline (intravenous), Transfusion, Venipuncture
1348The index finger of the active pointing-hand (the index finger is extended from an otherwise closed hand), palm facing in and finger pointing in and diagonally down with the knuckles pointing down, initially touches the middle of the stationary forearm near the wrist, palm facing up and fingers pointing diagonally forward. Both hands are in front of the body at lower chest level. The active hand then slides several inches up the stationary forearm.
1349The act of inserting an IV needle into one’s arm.
1350The index finger of the active hand represents a needle that is inserted into a vein and secured to a person’s stationary forearm. Such a needle is often attached to a tube that connects to a bag of saline (or other liquids such as blood, medication, or nutrients) when a person is receiving emergency medical care. An IV or intravenous injection is a way to introduce or deliver fluids directly into a person’s circulatory system.
1351The active fist (the hand forms a fist), palm facing in and knuckles pointing down, initially touches the back of the stationary flat-hand (the hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palm facing down and fingers pointing to the side. Both hands are in front of the body at chest level. The fist then moves from side to side as it grazes the stationary hand, wrist, and forearm. The action may be repeated.
1352The act of using an iron to press one’s clothes.
1353The active hand represents an iron that is used to press or smooth out a piece of imaginary clothing lying on top of an ironing board (represented by the stationary hand and forearm). An iron is a household appliance with a flat metal base that is heated and used to remove wrinkles from clothing.
ITCH

Synonyms: Allergic Reaction (hives), Dermatitis, Hives, Itchy, Poison Ivy, Poison Oak, Psoriasis, Rash, Scratch (verb), Urticaria
1354The tips of the fingers and thumb of the active claw-hand (the fingers are spread apart and bent), palm facing down and knuckles pointing diagonally forward, initially touch the stationary forearm, palm facing down. Both hands are in front of the body at lower chest level. The active fingers then slide across the stationary forearm a couple of times. The fingers may also bend slightly.
1355The act of scratching an itch.
1356The active hand scratches an itch from a rash or skin disorder (such as psoriasis or dermatitis) located on the stationary forearm. An itch is a skin irritation that results in a desire to scratch it. Exposure to certain plants (such as poison ivy and poison oak) often results in a rash. A person may also break out into hives when suffering an allergic reaction to a substance.
1357The tips of the index fingers of pointing-hands (the index fingers are extended from otherwise closed hands), palms facing each other and to opposite sides and fingers pointing diagonally up, initially touch the sides of the face below the ears. The fingers then slide down the edges of the jaw to the chin.
1358The act of showing the location of one’s jaw.
1359The index fingers point to and slide down along the edges of a person’s jaw. A jaw, jawbone, or mandible is a bony structure that frames an animal’s or person’s mouth. A jaw opens to allow food to enter the mouth.
1360The tips of the index and middle fingers of the active H-hand (the index and middle fingers are together and extended from an otherwise closed hand), palm facing in and fingers pointing diagonally up, initially touch the lower lip. The active hand then arcs down to lower chest level, rotating so that the palm faces down and fingers point diagonally forward as the tips of the fingers slide along the upturned palm of the stationary flat-hand (the hand is flat with fingers together and extended), fingers pointing diagonally forward to the opposite side.
1361The act of spreading jam or jelly onto a slice of bread.
1362The index and middle fingers of the active hand represent a knife that is used to spread jelly (or something that tastes sweet) on a piece of bread or toast (represented by the stationary hand). Jelly, jam, and preserves are semi-solid fruit products that often contain sugar. Such products provide sweetness and add extra flavor to muffins, biscuits, and other types of bread. A combination of the signs for Sweet and Butter.
1363The top of the active fist (the hand forms a fist), palm facing in and slightly down and knuckles pointing diagonally forward, initially rests against the bottom of the stationary curved-hand (the fingers and thumb are together and curved), palm facing down and fingers pointing mostly diagonally forward to the opposite side. Both hands are in front of the body at lower chest level. The active fist then twists back and forth a couple of times.
1364The act of a bone moving in a joint.
1365The active fist represents the ball shape at the top of the femur (the upper leg bone) and the stationary hand represents the hip socket or joint where the two meet. A joint is the location where parts of a skeleton come into contact. Joints are typically held together by muscles, tendons, or cartilage that allow for movement. Rheumatology is the branch of medicine that specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal diseases (e.g., arthritis, joint pain) and autoimmune conditions.
1366The tips of the index and middle fingers of the active H-hand (the index and middle fingers are together and extended from an otherwise closed hand), palm and fingers pointing down and knuckles pointing diagonally forward, initially touch the upturned palm of the stationary flat-hand (the hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palm facing up and fingers pointing diagonally forward. Both hands are in front of the body at lower chest level. The active hand then hops a couple of inches forward on the stationary palm.
1367The act of jumping or leaping.
1368The index and middle fingers of the active hand represent a person’s legs as he or she stands on the ground or floor (represented by the stationary hand). The person then jumps or leaps from his or her original location (represented by the initial position) to another location (represented by the final position). To jump means to leap or spring from a base.
1369The fist (the hand forms a fist), palm facing up and knuckles pointing forward, initially is held in front of the body at lower chest level. The fist then moves toward the body, rotating so that the palm faces in and knuckles point down, and then slides several inches down the upper hip.
1370The act of saving or keeping something.
1371The hand holds a small, imaginary item or object and then places that item in the front pocket of a person’s pants (represented by the final position) for safekeeping. To keep means to save, hang on to, or retain something.
1372The active spread- or 5-hand (the hand is flat with fingers spread apart and extended), palm facing down and fingers pointing diagonally forward and up, initially is held a few inches above the stationary fist (the hand forms a fist), palm facing in and knuckles pointing diagonally forward to the opposite side. Both hands are in front of the body at chest level. The palm of the active hand then forcefully hits the top of the stationary fist. The action is repeated a couple of times.
1373The act of striking the bottom of a bottle of ketchup.
1374A person may use his or her hand to strike the bottom of a bottle of ketchup (represented by the stationary fist) to force out the thick ketchup inside. Ketchup is a seasoned sauce or condiment typically made with tomatoes. Ketchup is often put on hamburgers, hot dogs, and French fries.
1375The baby O-hand (the index finger and thumb are curved and touch at their tips from an otherwise closed hand), palm facing out and slightly down and knuckles pointing diagonally up, initially is held in front of one side of the body at lower chest level. The hand then twists to the side, ending with palm facing to the side and knuckles pointing forward.
1376The act of turning a key in a vehicle’s ignition.
1377The index finger and thumb grasp an imaginary key and then twist or turn it to the side to activate the ignition in a vehicle or to start a person’s car. A key is a small, usually metal, instrument that fits inside of a lock. Keys are used to unlock doors, drawers, and other devices and to turn on the ignition switches in most vehicles.
1378The edges of pointing-hands (the index fingers are extended from otherwise closed hands), palms and fingers pointing down and knuckles pointing forward, initially touch as they are held in front of the body at lower chest level. One hand then rotates up until the index finger points forward. (Alternatively, one may mimic the action of kicking with one’s leg.)
1379The act of kicking one’s leg forward.
1380The index fingers represent a person’s legs as he or she is standing. One index finger then arcs up to represent kicking at someone or at a ball. A kick involves using a person’s foot and leg to strike out at someone or something (such as a soccer ball).
1381Pointing-hands (the index fingers are extended from otherwise closed hands), palms facing up and fingers pointing diagonally back to opposite sides, initially are held near the sides of the body at about waist level. The hands then move several inches diagonally back until the tips of the index fingers touch the lower back.
1382The act of showing the location of one’s kidneys.
1383The index fingers point to or indicate the approximate location of a person’s kidneys. The kidneys are a pair of renal organs located at the back of the abdominal cavity that are involved in the separation of waste products from a person’s blood. Fluid and the waste products drain into a person’s bladder for removal from the body as urine. Urology is the branch of medicine that specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases related to the kidneys, urinary tract, and male reproductive system.
1384The tips of the fingers of the flat-hand (the hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palm facing down and fingers pointing in and slightly up, initially touch the opposite side of the neck. The tips of the fingers then move across the neck to the other side.
1385The act of killing someone with a knife.
1386The active hand represents the blade of a large knife that is used to cut a person’s throat and kill or murder him or her. To kill means to deprive someone or something of life. Murder or homicide is the legal term used to describe the unlawful killing of another person without just cause.
1387The tips of the fingers and thumb of the tapered-or O-hand (the fingers are together and curved, with the finger tips touching the thumb tip), palm facing in and knuckles pointing up, initially touch the mouth. The hand then arcs forward about a foot as it opens into a spread- or 5-hand (the hand is flat with fingers spread apart and extended), palm facing mostly up and fingers pointing forward. A smile or happy facial expression is appropriate.
1388The act of blowing a kiss at someone.
1389The hand represents a kiss that is taken from a person’s lips and blown or thrown in the direction of someone else (represented by the final position). A kiss is a sign of fondness between two friends or between two people who know and like each other in a romantic sense.
1390The tip of the index finger of the pointing-hand (the index finger is extended from an otherwise closed hand), palm facing in and finger pointing down, is held close to and touches or points to the kneecap.
1391The act of showing the location of one’s knee.
1392The index finger points to or indicates the location of a person’s knee or kneecap. The knee is the joint between the femur (the thigh or upper leg bone) and the tibia (the lower leg bone). The kneecap or patella is a thick, oval-shaped bone that covers and protects this joint.
1393The edge of the middle finger of the active H-hand (the index and middle fingers are together and extended from an otherwise closed hand), palm facing in and fingers pointing diagonally forward, initially touches the edge of the index finger of the stationary flat-hand (the hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palm facing in and fingers pointing diagonally forward to the opposite side. Both hands are in front of the body at lower chest level. The active hand then slides a short distance forward and back across the stationary finger.
1394The act of cutting something with a knife.
1395The index and middle fingers of the active hand represent the blade of a knife as it is used to cut a piece of food (represented by the stationary hand). A knife is a kitchen utensil or instrument with a blade (a sharp edge) that is used for cutting.
1396The claw-hand (the fingers are spread apart and bent), palm facing out and knuckles pointing up, initially is held about a foot in front of one side of the body at lower chest level. The hand then rotates until the knuckles point out to the side.
1397The act of turning the knob on a door.
1398The hand grasps an imaginary doorknob and then turns it to open a door. A doorknob is often a rounded handle used to open a closed door. A knob is a piece of hardware (typically made of metal or wood) that is used to open the doors to rooms and to pull open cabinets, closets, armoires, and desk drawers.
1399The fist (the hand forms a fist), palm facing out and knuckles pointing up, initially is held about a foot in front of the body at upper chest level. The fist then sharply bends a short distance forward and back. (The forearm may also move slightly.) The action is repeated a couple of times.
1400The act of knocking or rapping on a door.
1401When a person wishes to make his or her presence known to those inside a house or building, he or she often knocks or raps his or her knuckles on a door. A knock is a sharp blow to or striking of a surface. A doorknocker is a metal device with a moveable ring that is used to knock or strike a metal plate and make noise. A doorknocker is typically attached to the front door of a house.
1402The tapered- or O-hand (the fingers are together and curved, with the finger tips touching the thumb tip), palm facing down and knuckles pointing forward, initially is held in front of the body at shoulder level. The hand then opens into a spread curved-hand (the fingers are spread apart and curved), palm facing down and fingers pointing mostly forward.
1403The act of turning on the light in a lamp.
1404The O-hand represents a light bulb in an imaginary lamp that is initially turned off. When the lamp is turned on, the hand opens and the fingers represent beams of light shining down. A lamp or lantern is a device that produces light and illuminates an area.
1405The active flat-hand (the hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palm facing to the side and fingers pointing forward, initially is held a few inches to the side of the little finger of the stationary spread- or 5-hand (the hand is flat with fingers spread apart and extended), palm facing diagonally in and fingers pointing diagonally up. Both hands are in front of the body at chest level. The fingers of the active hand then tap the tip of the little finger of the stationary hand.
1406The act of showing the last digit on one’s stationary hand.
1407The active hand indicates the last digit or little finger on a person’s stationary hand. Something that is the last is the final one and is after all others in time, location, and/or position. Last may also refer to a person’s ranking in a competition; being in last place means that someone has finished behind all other competitors. Related to the sign for First.
1408The eyes gaze down at the back of the wrist, which is tilted up slightly in front of the body at chest level. A frown or unhappy facial expression is appropriate.
1409The act of seeing that one is late for a meeting.
1410A person may look at a wristwatch to see what time it is and then unhappily realize that he or she is late. To be late means that a person is tardy or delayed in arriving at a meeting at the agreed upon time. Overdue means that someone is running behind schedule or that something has not happened or occurred at the expected time.
LAUGH

Synonyms: Amusing, Chuckle, Comedy, Comical, Funny, Giggle, Ha-Ha, Humor, Humorous, Hysterical (funny), Joke, Laughter, Mirth
1411The flat-hand (the hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palm facing in and fingers pointing diagonally up, initially is held next to the mouth. The tips of the fingers then graze the side of the face as the hand arcs up slightly. The action is repeated a couple of times. A smile or happy facial expression is appropriate.
1412The act of laughing at something.
1413The hand represents the muscles near the upturned corners of a person’s mouth as he or she smiles and laughs at something. Laughter is a vocal expression of a person’s amusement and is often accompanied by a happy facial expression. Sounds of mirth (chuckles, giggles) mean that a person thinks something is humorous, comical, or funny.
1414Tapered- or O-hands (the fingers are together and curved, with the finger tips touching the thumb tips), palms and fingers pointing in and knuckles pointing down, initially are held about six inches apart in front of the body just above waist level. The hands then move down about six inches and back up. The action is repeated a couple of times.
1415The act of washing laundry by hand.
1416The hands grasp a piece of imaginary clothing and then scrub the fabric clean on an imaginary, old-fashioned corrugated washboard. A washboard is a wooden and/or metal board with grooves or ridges that are used to scrub and wash laundry. Laundry typically involves the washing of clothes, linens, and towels.
1417The pointing-hand (the index finger is extended from an otherwise closed hand), palm facing out and finger pointing up, initially is held about six inches in front of the spread- or 5-hand (the hand is flat with fingers spread apart and extended), palm facing out and fingers pointing up. Both hands are in front of the body at chest level. The hands then move forward about six inches.
1418The act of one person leading a group of other people.
1419The index finger of the pointing-hand represents a person who is a leader and goes ahead of or in advance of other people (represented by the fingers of the 5-hand). A leader is often a person with responsibilities who directs or is in charge of the work of others.
1420The tapered- or O-hand (the fingers are together and curved, with the finger tips touching the thumb tip), palm facing down and knuckles pointing forward, initially is held in front of the body at lower chest level. The hand then moves up, rotating so that the palm faces in and knuckles point up as the tips of the fingers touch the forehead near the temple (the side of the forehead).
1421The act of learning or putting knowledge into one’s head.
1422The hand represents knowledge or information that is added to a person’s brain (represented by the final position) and that is retained and learned. To learn means to gain knowledge about a topic or to acquire a skill. A lesson is time spent learning information or practicing a skill.
1423The right pointing-hand (the index finger is extended from an otherwise closed hand), palm facing down and finger pointing to the left, initially is held near the center of the body at lower chest level. The arm is then extended to the left side of the body. (This sign can also be made using the left pointing-hand, palm facing down and finger pointing to the left, extended straight out to the left side of the body near shoulder level.)
1424The act of pointing to one’s left.
1425The index finger points to or indicates the direction to the signer’s left. Left is a direction or side that is opposite of right. Portside is a nautical term designating the left side of a vessel or the leftward direction away from a vessel (when a person is facing forward on that vessel).
1426The tip of the index finger of the pointing-hand (the index finger is extended from an otherwise closed hand), palm facing to the side and finger pointing down, initially touches the leg just above the knee. The finger then slides up to the hip.
1427The act of showing the location of one’s upper leg.
1428The index finger points to or indicates the length of the upper part of a person’s leg. Legs are appendages that extend from the feet to the tops of the thighs. In bipeds, such as humans, legs are used to support the body while standing and are used for movement while walking or running. The femur is the large bone in the upper leg that goes from a person’s kneecap to the hip.
LICENSE

Synonyms: Certificate, Credentials, Degree, Diploma, Driver’s License, ID, Identification, License Plate, Permit (license), Work Permit
1429The tips of the thumbs of L-hands (the index fingers and thumbs are extended from otherwise closed hands and form right angles), palms facing out and index fingers pointing up with the thumbs pointing at each other and to opposite sides, touch in front of the body at upper chest level.
1430The fingers and thumbs resemble the shape of a license.
1431The index fingers and thumbs outline the approximate size and rectangular shape of many certificates, license plates, credentials, and forms of identification. A license is permission from a legal authority to engage in certain activities (e.g., drive a motor vehicle, marry, or operate a business). A license plate is a metal plate attached to a motor vehicle that has been embossed with letters and numbers that are used to identify that vehicle.
LID

Synonyms: Overlap, Overlapping, Overlay, Put On a Lid or Top (unattached), Superimpose, Top (lid)
Antonym: Remove a Lid or Top (unattached)
1432The active flat-hand (the hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palm facing down and fingers pointing forward, initially is held a few inches to the side of the stationary flat-hand, palm facing down and fingers pointing forward. Both hands are in front of the body at lower chest level. The active hand then arcs up slightly and to the side until it rests on top of the stationary hand. (To indicate the meaning Remove a Lid or Top (unattached), reverse the action of the sign.)
1433The act of placing a lid or top on something.
1434The active hand represents a lid that is placed on top of a pot or pan (represented by the stationary hand). A lid is a moveable cover that may be placed on top of something with an interior opening. Overlapping means that one thing partially or fully covers or overlays another thing. To superimpose means to place one thing on top of another thing.
LIE

Synonyms: Artificial, Bogus, Charlatan, Counterfeit, Deceit, Deceitful, Deceive, Deception, Dishonest, Fake, False, Fib, Forgery, Forked Tongue, Fraud, Hypocrite, Imposter, Liar, Mendacious, Misleading, Misrepresent, Not True, Perjury, Phony, Pseudo, Sham, Specious, Spurious, Untrue
1435The V-hand (the index and middle fingers are spread apart and extended from an otherwise closed hand in the shape of a “V”), palm and fingers pointing diagonally forward and knuckles pointing up, initially is held in front of or touching the mouth. The hand then moves diagonally forward a short distance.
1436The act of lying or speaking with two tongues.
1437The index and middle fingers represent the two tongues of a dishonest person who talks out of both sides of his or her mouth and gives a false and/or conflicting statement. The fingers may also represent a snake’s forked tongue, a symbol of lies and deception. A lie is an untrue, mendacious, or intentionally false statement meant to deceive others. Perjury is when a person lies under oath in a court of law or during a legal proceeding.
1438Curved-hands (the fingers and thumbs are together and curved), palms facing up and fingers pointing mostly forward, initially are held about twelve to eighteen inches apart in front of the sides of the body below waist level. The hands then slowly move up to chest level.
1439The act of lifting or raising a large object.
1440The hands are positioned beneath a large, imaginary object and then a person uses the strength of his or her arms and lower back to slowly lift or pick up that object. To lift or elevate means to raise something from a lower position to a higher position.
1441The pointing-hand (the index finger is extended from an otherwise closed hand), palm facing out and finger pointing diagonally up, initially is held in front of one side of the body at or above head level. The hand then quickly zigzags down to waist level, ending with the palm facing down and finger pointing forward.
1442The act of lightning striking the ground.
1443The index finger traces the path of a bolt of lightning descending from the sky (represented by the initial position) to the ground (represented by the final position). Lightning is a sudden, powerful discharge of electrostatic energy from a charged region within a storm cloud.
1444Spread- or 5-hands (each hand is flat with fingers spread apart and extended), palms facing up and fingers pointing forward, initially are held to the sides of the body at waist level. The hands then easily move up to lower chest level and back down. The action is repeated a couple of times.
1445The act of easily lifting a lightweight object.
1446The hands are positioned beneath a small, imaginary, lightweight object and then a person is able to easily lift that object. Something that is light in weight has little weight, is not heavy, or does not require a lot of strength to pick up or carry.
LIKE

Synonyms: Agreeable, Care About, Courteous, Courtesy, Enjoy, Fond Of, Gentle, Goodhearted, Gracious, Kind, Kindhearted, Manners, Nice, Pleasant, Pleasure, Polite
1447The flat-hand (the hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palm facing in and fingers pointing to the side, initially rests on the chest. The hand then makes a circle. A smile or happy facial expression is appropriate.
1448The act of feeling something pleasant or likeable.
1449The hand represents an emotion or feeling flowing through the heart (represented by the location). The smile or happy facial expression indicates that the emotion is positive or pleasurable, or that the person has a good or kind heart. If a person likes or is fond of someone or something, then he or she enjoys and cares about that person or thing.
1450The tip of the thumb of the spread- or 5-hand (the hand is flat with fingers spread apart and extended), palm facing to the side and fingers pointing up, initially is held just in front of or touching the upper chest. The hand then moves straight forward about a foot.
1451The act of showing a line of people.
1452Each finger represents a person queuing or standing in a long line that extends forward from an individual’s own location (represented by the initial position). A line is a horizontal row of people who are often waiting to gain entry to a building or event or who are waiting to check out or pay for their items at a store.
1453The tips of the fingers of the spread curved-hand (the fingers are spread apart and curved), palm facing down and fingers pointing mostly forward and slightly down, initially are held just in front of or touching the forehead. The hand then arcs back over the head.
1454The act of showing the mane of a male lion.
1455The fingers represent the long hairs on the head of a male lion that make up part of its majestic mane. A lion is a large, tawny-colored, meat-eating feline that lives in Africa. A mane consists of the long hairs growing out of the head and around the neck of a male lion.
1456The tip of the index finger of the pointing-hand (the index finger is extended from an otherwise closed hand), palm facing in and finger pointing diagonally up, initially touches the corner of the lower lip. The finger then slides along the lip to the other side.
1457The act of showing the location of one’s lips.
1458The index finger points to or indicates the length of a person’s lower lip. The lips are the two pieces of flesh that surround and help to seal a person’s mouth. Labial means of or pertaining to the lips.
1459The V-hand (the index and middle fingers are spread apart and extended from an otherwise closed hand in the shape of a “V”), palm facing in and fingers pointing diagonally up, initially is held just in front of the mouth. The hand then moves slightly from side to side.
1460The act of watching or reading someone’s lips.
1461The tips of the index and middle fingers represent a person’s eyes as they look at someone else’s lips while he or she talks. Lip-reading or speechreading is an attempt to understand or interpret speech by carefully observing the movements of the lips and face. This sign may also be used to refer to speech therapy, the practice of improving a person’s spoken language production through various exercises.
1462The tip of the thumb of the fist (the hand forms a fist), palm facing in and knuckles pointing to the side with the thumb extended and pointing up, initially touches the corner of the lower lip. The thumb then slides along the lip to the other side.
1463The act of putting on lipstick or lip gloss.
1464The thumb represents a small tube of lipstick, lip balm, or lip gloss that is applied to a person’s lips. Lipstick and lip gloss are cosmetic lip balms used to color and/or moisturize the lips.
LIST

Synonyms: Agenda, Catalog (list), Customs Declaration, Ingredients, Instructions, Inventory, Items (list), Outline, Plan (of action), Program, Recipe, Roster
1465The edge of the little finger of the active flat-hand (the hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palm facing down and fingers pointing to the side and diagonally up, initially touches the tips of the fingers of the stationary flat-hand, palm facing in and fingers pointing diagonally up to the opposite side. Both hands are in front of the body at upper chest level. The active hand then makes a series of small hops down the fingers and palm of the stationary hand.
1466The act of going through the items on a list.
1467Each position of the active hand represents an item listed on a page or sheet of paper (represented by the stationary hand). A list is an itemized series of things or a roster of people. Instructions are explanations of how to do something and may include a list of tasks that must be completed to accomplish a goal.
LISTEN

Synonyms: Acoustic, Audible, Audio, Auditory, Aural, Eavesdrop, Hear, Hearing, Overhear, Sound
1468The curved-hand (the fingers and thumb are together and curved), palm facing out and fingers pointing mostly up, is held near the ear. The head may be turned slightly to the side, and the edges of the index finger and thumb may touch the head behind the ear. (Alternatively, one may use a C-hand (the fingers are together and curved, with the thumb opposite the fingers), palm facing out and fingers pointing mostly up.)
1469The act of intently listening to what is happening.
1470If a person needs to enhance or better hear sounds, he or she may cup or put a hand near the external part of one ear. To listen means to pay attention to sounds in order to hear better. Hearing is a person’s ability to perceive sounds or acoustic information through the apparatus of the ears. Audible means that someone or something is capable of being heard.
LOBSTER

Synonyms: Calipers, Cancer (astrology), Claws (lobster), Crab, Crawfish, Crayfish, Forceps, Pincers (claws), Pincers (large tool), Tongs
1471C-hands (the fingers are together and curved, with the thumbs opposite the fingers), palms facing each other and to opposite sides and fingers pointing mostly forward, initially are held about a foot apart in front of the sides of the body at lower chest level. The hands then snap shut into tapered-or O-hands (the fingers are together and curved, with the finger tips touching the thumb tips), palms facing each other and to opposite sides and knuckles pointing forward. The action is repeated. (To indicate the meanings Calipers, Forceps, Pincers (large tool), or Tongs, make the sign with one hand.)
1472The act of a lobster opening and closing its claws.
1473The fingers and thumbs represent a lobster’s large, distinctive claws closing and opening. A lobster is a large, reddish, edible crustacean that lives in the sea. Crabs are edible crustaceans with ten legs (two of which are claws). Crabs may live on land, in the sea, and in fresh water. Tongs are a kitchen utensil used to grab, hold, and move hot food items.
LOCK

Synonyms: Bolt (lock), Deadbolt, Latch, Locked, Padlock, Turn the Key
Antonyms: Unlock, Unlocked
1474The tips of the index finger and thumb of the active baby O-hand (the index finger and thumb are curved and touch at their tips from an otherwise closed hand), palm facing to the side and knuckles pointing up, initially touch the palm of the stationary flat-hand (the hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palm facing to the opposite side and fingers pointing forward. Both hands are in front of the body at lower chest level. The active hand then twists forward so that the knuckles point forward. (To indicate the meanings Unlock or Unlocked, reverse the action of the sign.)
1475The act of turning the lock on a door.
1476The active hand grips or holds an imaginary key that is inserted into a lock on a door (represented by the stationary hand). The active hand then turns the key to secure the lock. A lock is a fastening device used to secure doors, desk drawers, and filing cabinets.
1477The tip of the index finger of the active pointing-hand (the index finger is extended from an otherwise closed hand), palm facing in and finger pointing to the side, initially touches the stationary arm near the shoulder. The active finger then slides down the stationary arm to the wrist.
1478The act of showing the length of one’s arm.
1479The index finger of the active hand traces the relatively long distance down the length of a person’s stationary arm. Something that is long extends a great distance from end to end. Long also may refer to an extended period of time.
LOOK (SEE)

Synonyms: Gaze, Glance (look), Optical, See, Sight, Visible, Vision (sight), Visual, Witness
1480The V-hand (the index and middle fingers are spread apart and extended from an otherwise closed hand in the shape of a “V”), palm facing in and fingers close to and pointing diagonally up at the eyes, initially is held just in front of the face below the eyes. The hand then rotates so that the palm faces out and the fingers point forward.
1481The act of looking at or seeing something.
1482The tips of the index and middle fingers point to and represent a person’s eyes as they rotate to gaze or look forward (represented by the final position). To look means to use the eyes to see something or to direct a person’s gaze in a particular direction. Sight is a person’s ability to perceive images or visual information through the apparatus of the eyes. A witness is a person who has observed or seen something happen.
1483The flat-hand (the hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palm facing out and fingers pointing up, is extended in front of the body at upper chest level. The head then turns to one side and then to the other.
1484The act of stopping and looking both ways before crossing a road.
1485The extended hand represents a stop sign or the hand of a crossing guard signaling that a person or vehicle should stay in place as he or she looks both ways to check for more traffic. Crossing guards are responsible for stopping traffic so that pedestrians can safely cross the street. Looking both ways means to glance to the left and to the right to determine if there is any danger before proceeding. Related to the sign for Halt.
1486The L-hand (the index finger and thumb are extended from an otherwise closed hand and form a right angle), palm facing out and index finger pointing up with the thumb pointing to the side, is held above and to the side of the head. The signer may look up.
1487The act of pointing to the Lord above.
1488The L-hand represents the first letter of the word Lord and also points to the Lord’s location in heaven above. In Christianity, Jesus is often referred to as Lord. In other religions, God may be referred to as Lord.
1489The fist (the hand forms a fist), palm facing down and knuckles pointing forward, initially is held in front of the body at waist level. The fist then moves down and slightly behind the side of the body as it opens into a spread- or 5-hand (the hand is flat with fingers spread apart and extended), palm facing down and fingers pointing diagonally forward and down.
1490The act of misplacing or losing something.
1491The fist initially grasps a small, imaginary object. The fist then opens and drops the object behind the signer where it cannot be seen or is out of sight (represented by the final position). To lose something means to be deprived of something, often by misplacing it, putting it in the wrong place, or not being able to find it.
1492The tips of the fingers of the active flat-hand (the hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palm facing down and fingers pointing diagonally forward, initially touch the back of the stationary hand, palm facing down. Both hands are in front of the body at lower chest level. The active hand then makes small circles on the back of the stationary hand.
1493The act of rubbing lotion onto one’s skin.
1494The active hand rubs some lotion or moisturizer into the skin on the back of a person’s stationary hand. A lotion is a liquid or cream used for soothing or moisturizing the skin. An ointment, balm, or salve is often a medicated lotion used to treat or ease the symptoms of certain skin and muscle ailments.
1495The fist (the hand forms a fist), palm facing in and knuckles pointing diagonally up, initially is held in front of the lower face or chin. The hand then moves about eighteen inches diagonally forward, up, and out to the side as it opens into a spread-or 5-hand (the hand is flat with fingers spread apart and extended), palm facing in and fingers pointing diagonally up. Opening the mouth wide is appropriate.
1496The act of speaking or talking loudly.
1497The fist represents a loud sound or words coming out of a person’s mouth and the opening of the 5-hand represents the spreading of those words and sound through the air. A booming or loud voice has great intensity or sound volume and can be heard over a large distance.
LOVE

Synonyms: Adore (love), Affection, Affectionate, Cherish, Cherished, I Love You, In Love, Keep Near One’s Heart, Loving
1498Fists (each hand forms a fist), palms facing in and knuckles pointing diagonally up to opposite sides, are crossed at the wrists as they are held against the upper chest. A smile or happy facial expression is appropriate.
1499The act of giving a loved one a tight hug.
1500The arms hold someone or something cherished or adored near and dear to a person’s heart (represented by the location). The heart is often depicted as the location of a person’s feelings and emotions, and a happy facial expression indicates that the emotion is positive or one of love. Love is a strong or deep affection for someone or something.
LOWER THE BED

Synonyms: Bend Over, Lay Down, Prostrate, Recline, Recliner
Antonyms: Raise the Bed, Upright (seated position)
1501The flat-hand (the hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palm facing down and fingers pointing to the side and diagonally up, initially is held in front of the body at shoulder level. The hand and forearm then gradually move down to chest level until the palm faces down and fingers point to the side. (To indicate the meanings Raise the Bed or Upright (seated position), reverse the action of the sign.)
1502The act of lowering an adjustable bed.
1503The hand and forearm represent a reclining chair or the upper portion of a hospital bed as it is lowered so that a person can lie down flat. To lower something means to reduce its height or move it down. A recliner is an adjustable chair that can be configured to allow a person to lie flat or almost flat.
1504The tapered- or O-hand (the fingers are together and curved, with the finger tips touching the thumb tip), palm facing down and knuckles pointing forward, initially is extended straight out in front of the body at chest level. The hand then rotates so that the palm faces in and knuckles point up as the tips of the fingers and thumb move to touch the lips.
1505The act of eating something for lunch.
1506The hand reaches out to grasp a piece of food and then brings it to a person’s mouth. Lunch is the midday (noon or afternoon) meal or the meal eaten near the middle of the day. Lunch often is the second meal of the day. Related to the signs for Breakfast and Dinner. (The hand reaches out to a lower location than for Breakfast and to a higher location than for Dinner.)
1507Claw-hands (the fingers are spread apart and bent), palms facing in and knuckles pointing at each other and to opposite sides, initially are held several inches apart with the tips of the fingers and thumbs touching the upper chest. The hands then slide down to lower chest level.
1508The act of showing the location of one’s lungs.
1509The hands represent lungs filled with air, and the movement indicates the location of the lungs within a person’s chest cavity. The lungs are two organs that are critically important to breathing in air and oxygenating the blood. Gills are the lungs of fish and sharks and are used to extract oxygen out of the surrounding water. Pulmonology is the branch of medicine that specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and conditions of the lungs and respiratory system.
MACHINE

Synonyms: Apparatus, Engine, Equipment, Factory, Gears, Industry, Machinery, Manufacture, Mechanical, Mechanism, Motor, Moving Parts
1510Claw-hands (the fingers are spread apart and bent), palms facing each other and to opposite sides and knuckles pointing forward, initially are held a few inches apart in front of the body at chest level. The hands then make several vertical circles. The hands are offset so that one arcs forward and down as the other arcs back and up.
1511The act of gears moving in a machine.
1512The hands and fingers represent toothed wheels or gears rotating or turning inside a machine. The hands may also represent other moving parts within an engine or motor. A machine typically is a mechanical device or apparatus that applies energy to do work and may contain an interconnected gear system. An engine or motor often is a fuel-powered machine that converts power into motion for various types of vehicles.
MAKE THE BED

Synonyms: Bedding (linens), Linens, Mattress Cover, Pull Up the Sheets, Sheets (bed)
Antonyms: Change the Sheets, Pull Down the Sheets, Turn Down the Bed or Sheets
1513Tapered- or O-hands (the fingers are together and curved, with the finger tips touching the thumb tips), palms facing down and knuckles pointing diagonally forward to the same side, initially are held in front of one side of the body slightly above waist level with one hand about six inches in front of the other hand. The hands then move to the opposite side of the body. (To indicate the meanings Change the Sheets, Pull Down the Sheets, or Turn Down the Bed or Sheets, reverse the action of the sign.)
1514The act of making a bed.
1515The hands grasp an imaginary bed sheet and then pull it up to make a bed. Making a bed means to straighten the cotton or linen bed sheets and pull up the covers, bedspread, and/or blanket to make the bed neater in appearance.
MAKEUP

Synonyms: Blush (makeup), Cold Cream, Cosmetics, Facial Powder, Foundation (liquid makeup), Foundation (powder makeup), Put on Makeup, Rouge (makeup)
1516The fingers of the flat-hand (the hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palm facing in and fingers pointing up, initially touch the cheek. The hand then makes small vertical circles on the cheek. (To indicate the meanings Facial Powder or Foundation (powder makeup), gently pat the cheek in several places.)
1517The act of putting makeup on one’s face.
1518The hand represents a small pad or brush used to apply makeup to a person’s face. Makeup consists of cosmetic powders, creams, and liquids that are spread on the face for beautification, entertainment, and/or disguise. Rouge or blush often is pink, red, peach, or tan colored makeup applied to the cheeks to make them stand out more.
1519The upper flat-hand (the hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palm facing down and fingers pointing to the side, initially is held above one breast and the lower flat-hand, palm facing up and fingers pointing to the opposite side, is held below that breast. The hands then move a short distance toward each other as they squeeze the breast slightly.
1520The act of having a mammogram.
1521The hands represent the paddles of a diagnostic X-ray machine that are positioned around a woman’s breast during a mammogram. A mammogram is an X-ray image of a woman’s breast tissue that is used to detect cancer, cysts, or other physical abnormalities.
1522The tips of the fingers of curved-hands (the fingers and thumbs are together and curved), palms facing down and fingers pointing mostly at each other and to opposite sides, nearly touch on top of the head. The hands then separate and slide several inches down the sides of the head.
1523The act of showing the length of a man’s short haircut.
1524The fingers represent hairs on the sides of a man’s head that are several inches long (or shorter). In many cultures, men have relatively short hair compared with that of women. A man is an adult human of the male sex. Short hair often refers to hair that does not extend in length beyond a person’s neck.
1525The tips of the fingers and thumbs of tapered- or O-hands (the fingers are together and curved, with the finger tips touching the thumb tips), palms facing each other and to opposite sides and knuckles pointing forward, initially touch in front of the body at chest level. The hands then rotate and move diagonally up to near shoulder level on opposite sides of the body as they open and become spread- or 5-hands (each hand is flat with fingers spread apart and extended), palms facing out and fingers pointing up. The action is repeated.
1526The act of showing many fingers.
1527The hands open to show multiple or numerous fingers; each finger represents a separate person or object. Repeating the action one or more times signals the presence of many people or objects. Many means numerous or that there are a lot of items present or a large number of people in attendance.
1528The tip of the index finger of the active pointing-hand (the index finger is extended from an otherwise closed hand), palm and finger pointing down and knuckles pointing diagonally forward, initially touches the base of the upturned palm of the stationary flat-hand (the hand is flat with fingers together and extended), fingers pointing diagonally forward to the opposite side. Both hands are in front of the body at chest level. The tip of the active index finger then moves diagonally forward along the stationary palm. Gazing at the hands is appropriate.
1529The act of tracing a possible route or line on a map.
1530The index finger of the active hand draws or traces the path of a highway or street on a roadmap (represented by the stationary hand) or the course of a ship on a navigation chart. Maps are representations of an area and may denote geographical information such as mountains and rivers, as well as man-made structures such as highways and roads. Navigation charts provide information on latitude, longitude, sea depth, sea currents, and nearby land masses so that sailors can plot a safe course.
1531The tip of the thumb of the active fist (the hand forms a fist), palm facing diagonally out and slightly down and knuckles pointing diagonally forward with the thumb extended and pointing diagonally down, initially touches the base of the upturned palm of the stationary flat-hand (the hand is flat with fingers together and extended), fingers pointing diagonally forward to the opposite side. Both hands are in front of the body at lower chest level. The tip of the active thumb then arcs up and down along the stationary palm.
1532The act of using a marker or crayon.
1533The thumb of the active hand represents the thick tip of a felt pen, highlighter, or magic marker as it writes or draws on a sheet of paper (represented by the stationary hand). A marker is a writing implement with a thick felt tip that dispenses colored liquid. Crayons are colored wax sticks often used by children to draw or color pictures.
1534The tips of the index finger and thumb of the active G-hand (the index finger and thumb are extended from an otherwise closed hand and are parallel), palm and fingers pointing down and knuckles pointing diagonally forward, initially touch the edges of the tip of the ring finger of the stationary hand, palm facing down and fingers pointing diagonally forward to the opposite side. Both hands are in front of the body at lower chest level. The active fingers then slide down to the base of the stationary ring finger. A smile or happy facial expression is appropriate.
1535The act of sliding on a ring at a marriage ceremony.
1536The index finger and thumb of the active hand grasp an imaginary engagement ring or wedding band and then slide it onto the ring finger of a person’s fiancée or spouse. Rings are often exchanged in a wedding or marriage ceremony as a sign of two people’s union and to show their love for and commitment to each other. To marry means to legally wed another person and become spouses.
1537The curved-hand (the fingers and thumb are together and curved), palm facing in and fingers pointing mostly to the side, is placed over the nose and mouth.
1538The act of covering one’s lower face with a mask or bandana.
1539The active hand represents a mask or bandana used to cover a bank robber’s face. A mask is a cover for the face that is often worn to hide a person’s facial features and to conceal his or her identity. In old western television programs, bank robbers often wore bandanas across their lower faces during the commission of their crimes. A mask may also be worn for health or environmental reasons.
1540Curved-hands (the fingers and thumbs are together and curved), palms facing down and fingers pointing mostly back, squeeze or press down on the tops of the shoulders several times. A smile or happy facial expression is appropriate.
1541The act of kneading or massaging one’s aching shoulder muscles.
1542When a person’s muscles ache or feel tight, he or she may rub or massage them to make them feel better. A massage involves the manual manipulation, kneading, or rubbing of a person’s muscles to relieve tension or ease pain. A masseuse or massage therapist is a person who is trained and licensed to perform various types of massages.
1543The tips of the index finger and thumb of the active baby O-hand (the index finger and thumb are curved and touch at their tips from an otherwise closed hand), palm facing diagonally out and knuckles pointing up, initially touch the base of the index finger of the stationary pointing-hand (the index finger is extended from an otherwise closed hand), palm facing to the opposite side and finger pointing diagonally forward to the opposite side. Both hands are in front of the body at chest level. The active hand then slides down and off the top edge of the stationary index finger.
1544The act of lighting a match.
1545The active hand grips an imaginary match and then ignites it by moving its tip along the rough surface of a matchbook (represented by the stationary index finger). A match is a small wooden or cardboard stick with a combustible tip that is lit by friction. Matches are often used to start fires or light cigarettes, cigars, and smoking pipes.
MAYBE

Synonyms: Iffy, Indefinite, May (might), Might (may), Odds, Perhaps, Possibility, Possible, Possibly, Potential, Probability, Probable, Probably
1546Spread- or 5-hands (each hand is flat with fingers spread apart and extended), palms facing up and fingers pointing forward, initially are held about a foot apart in front of the sides of the body at lower chest level. One hand then moves up slightly as the other moves down slightly. This alternating up-and-down action is repeated several times.
1547Maybe means that things are up in the air.
1548The hands represent different possibilities or potential outcomes: first one hand is raised and favored, and then the other hand is raised and favored. The words maybe and perhaps convey the idea that something is indefinite, that things are iffy, or that the outcome is unknown.
1549The pointing-hand (the index finger is extended from an otherwise closed hand), palm facing down and finger pointing slightly diagonally forward, initially is held in front of the opposite side of the body at chest level. The index finger then traces two large vertical arches as the hand moves to the other side.
1550The act of drawing the “M” of a McDonald’s™ logo.
1551The index finger draws or traces the shape of the golden arches and “M” of a McDonald’s™ fast food restaurant. A fast food restaurant is typically a chain-based eating establishment that quickly prepares and serves a limited menu of food (often fried) items and drinks.
1552The tip of the index finger of the pointing-hand (the index finger is extended from an otherwise closed hand), palm and finger pointing in and knuckles pointing to the side, touches the center of the chest.
1553The act of pointing to myself.
1554The active hand points to me or indicates myself. Me and I are words referring to one’s own self.
MEAN

Synonyms: Bad Tempered, Cruel, Glare (scowl), Glower, Inconsiderate, Meanness, Scowl, Unkind, Unpleasant
1555Pointing-hands (the index fingers are extended from otherwise closed hands), palms and fingers pointing diagonally down to opposite sides, are held on the forehead with the tips of the index fingers near the inner edges of the eyebrows. A frown, scowl, or unhappy facial expression is appropriate.
1556The act of showing the scowling eyebrows of a mean person.
1557The fingers represent the shape of the eyebrows while a person is scowling or being mean. A mean or bad-tempered person is often cruel, unkind, inconsiderate, or unpleasant to other people. To scowl means to glower, glare, or look angrily at someone or something.
MEASLES (RUBEOLA)

Synonyms: Chickenpox (varicella), German Measles (rubella), Rubella, Rubeola, Varicella
1558The tip of the index finger of the pointing-hand (the index finger is extended from an otherwise closed hand), palm facing in and finger pointing slightly diagonally up, touches the face in several different locations. A frown or unhappy facial expression is appropriate.
1559The act of pointing to spots on one’s face caused by measles.
1560The index finger points to or indicates some of the small, red spots on the skin caused by various childhood diseases. Measles (rubeola), German measles (rubella), and chickenpox (varicella) are all contagious viral infections common in many areas of the world. In developed countries, these diseases are often prevented by early childhood vaccinations.
MEASURE

Synonyms: Gauge (measure), Length, Measurement, Measuring Tape, Ruler, Size, Tape Measure, Unit (of measure), Yardstick
1561The tips of the thumbs of horns-hands (the little fingers and thumbs are extended from otherwise closed hands), palms facing down and knuckles pointing forward, touch in front of the body at lower chest level. (This sign can also be made without the little fingers extended.) (To indicate the meaning Yardstick, first make this sign. The hands then move to opposite sides until they are about three feet apart, rotating to become flat-hands (each hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palms facing each other and to opposite sides and fingers pointing forward.)
1562The act of measuring the length of something.
1563The hands depict a unit of measure or the approximate length of a ruler. To measure means to determine the size, dimensions, or extent of something. Historically, people used the span of the hand (the distance from the tip of the extended thumb to the tip of the little finger of the spread- or 5-hand) as a unit of measurement.
1564The tips of the index finger and thumb of the active baby O-hand (the index finger and thumb are curved and touch at their tips from an otherwise closed hand), palm facing down and knuckles pointing diagonally forward, clasp the skin between the index finger and thumb of the stationary flat-hand (the hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palm facing in and fingers pointing to the side with the thumb extended and pointing up. Both hands are in front of the body at chest level.
1565The act of pinching the meaty flesh of one’s hand.
1566The index finger and thumb of the active hand feel the thickness of a cut of meat or steak (represented by the stationary hand). Meat is the flesh of mammals that is used as food. A steak typically refers to a quality cut of beef.
1567The active curved-hand (the fingers and thumb are together and curved), palm facing in and fingers pointing mostly to the side, initially rests on the upper part of the stationary arm. The hand then slides down a short distance.
1568The act of putting on a medicated patch.
1569The active hand represents a medicated patch that is placed on a person’s stationary upper arm. A medicated patch, such as a nicotine patch, is a piece of material that gradually delivers medication into a person’s system via absorption through the skin.
MEDICATION

Synonyms: Capsule (drug), Drug (legal), Medicine, Pill, Prescription, Tablet (drug), Take Medication
1570The tips of the index finger and thumb of the active baby O-hand (the index finger and thumb are curved and touch at their tips from an otherwise closed hand), palm facing down and knuckles pointing diagonally forward, initially touch the upturned palm of the stationary flat-hand (the hand is flat with fingers together and extended), fingers pointing diagonally forward to the opposite side. Both hands are in front of the body at chest level. The active hand then arcs up to touch the lips, rotating so that the palm faces in and knuckles point diagonally up. An open mouth is appropriate.
1571The act of taking medication.
1572The active hand grasps an imaginary pill held in a person’s stationary hand and then puts it in the mouth. Dietary supplements and prescription drugs or medication often come in the form of pills, capsules, or tablets. Medications are substances taken by a person to cure a disease, manage a chronic medical condition, or improve that person’s health.
1573Pointing-hands (the index fingers are extended from otherwise closed hands), palms facing each other and to opposite sides and fingers pointing up, initially are held about a foot apart in front of the sides of the body at upper chest level. The hands then move toward each other until the knuckles touch.
1574The act of two people meeting.
1575Each index finger represents a person. As the two hands come together, the two people encounter each other or meet face to face. To meet means to encounter or come into someone’s presence. A date is an engagement or rendezvous (e.g., going to dinner, a movie, or dancing) between two people who are romantically interested in or attracted to one another.
1576C-hands (the fingers are together and curved, with the thumbs opposite the fingers), palms facing diagonally up and fingers pointing mostly up with the tips of the thumbs close to and pointing at each other and to opposite sides, are held in front of the jaw as the mouth opens and closes. (Alternatively, the tips of the thumbs may touch.)
1577The act of eating a slice of watermelon.
1578The hands represent the curved shape of a slice of melon. A melon (such as cantaloupe, honeydew, or watermelon) is a large, juicy fruit of the gourd family. Melons are often eaten for breakfast, as a light snack, or at summer picnics.
1579The tip of the index finger of the pointing-hand (the index finger is extended from an otherwise closed hand), palm facing in and finger pointing diagonally down, initially touches the abdomen. The finger then traces a circle on the abdomen.
1580The act of showing the area associated with menstruation.
1581The index finger points to or indicates the area near a woman’s uterus or womb. The circular movement represents the monthly menstrual cycle: the time between the beginning of one menstrual period and the onset of the next. During menses, a nonpregnant woman discharges blood and other tissue from her uterus. This sign may also be used to refer to ovulation (the process in which an ovary releases an egg that travels down the fallopian tubes to the uterus for possible fertilization).
MESSY

Synonyms: Anarchy, Bedlam, Chaos, Clutter, Commotion, Disarray, Disorder, Disorganized, Havoc, Mayhem, Mess, Pandemonium, Quagmire, Riot, Tumult, Turmoil, Untidy
1582The upper claw-hand (the fingers are spread apart and bent), palm facing down and knuckles pointing diagonally forward, initially is held a few inches above the lower claw-hand, palm facing up and knuckles pointing diagonally forward to the opposite side. Both hands are in front of the body at chest level. The hands then make horizontal circles. The hands are offset so that one arcs forward as the other arcs back.
1583The act of showing how messy or disorganized something is.
1584The movement of the hands represents the haphazard location of multiple items strewn around a messy, cluttered room. Something that is messy is untidy, in disarray, or disorganized. The hands may also represent a commotion or agitating motion that results in disorder, pandemonium, turmoil, havoc, anarchy, mayhem, bedlam, or chaos.
MICROPHONE

Synonyms: Commentator, Correspondent (media), Emcee, Journalist, Media (press), Press (media), Press Officer, Pundit, Reporter, Spokesperson, Talking Head
1585The fist (the hand forms a fist), palm facing in and knuckles pointing to the side, initially is held to the side of the body near waist level. The fist then arcs diagonally up to in front of the chin. The mouth may open and close.
1586The act of speaking into a microphone.
1587The hand grasps an imaginary microphone and brings it near to a person’s mouth so that he or she can speak into it. A microphone is an instrument used to transmit sound. Reporters, media correspondents, journalists, pundits, spokespeople, and emcees often speak in front of cameras or large crowds while holding and/or speaking into a microphone so that their words may be heard over ambient noise.
1588Spread- or 5-hands (each hand is flat with fingers spread apart and extended), palms facing down and fingers pointing at each other and to opposite sides, initially are held several inches apart in front of the body at upper chest level. The fingers then wiggle vigorously.
1589The act of microwaving food.
1590The wiggling fingers represent the short electromagnetic waves that cook or heat up food that has been placed inside of an imaginary microwave oven. A microwave oven is a rectangular, box-like kitchen appliance that heats, warms, or cooks food more quickly than conventional ovens.
MIDDLE (HORIZONTAL AXIS)

Synonyms: Average (mathematical), Center (horizontal axis), Intermediate, Mean (mathematical), Median (mathematical), Median (middle), Medium, Mid-Point
1591The index finger of the active pointing-hand (the index finger is extended from an otherwise closed hand), palm and finger pointing down and knuckles pointing forward, initially is held a short distance above the index finger of the stationary pointing-hand, palm facing in and finger pointing to the side. Both hands are in front of the body at chest level. The active hand then moves down until the tip of its index finger touches the middle joint of the stationary index finger.
1592The act of showing the middle point of one’s index finger.
1593The index finger of the active hand points to or indicates the middle or mid-point of the index finger of the stationary hand. The middle is the location at the center of an object or midway along one of its (horizontal) dimensions. In mathematics, the average or mean of a set of values is calculated by adding all the values together and then dividing by the number of values.
1594The edge of the tip of the index finger of the flat-hand (the hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palm facing down and fingers pointing to the side with the arm extended out to the side at shoulder level, initially touches the temple (the side of the forehead). The hand then moves forward a short distance.
1595The act of saluting someone in the military.
1596A salute is a gesture of respect that military personnel perform when greeting a higher-ranking soldier, official, or authority. Military refers to the armed forces (e.g., army, navy, air force, or marines) of a country whose duty it is to defend that country’s security and sovereignty.
1597The spread- or 5-hand (the hand is flat with fingers spread apart and extended), palm facing to the side and fingers pointing forward, initially is held in front of the body at chest level. The hand then closes into a fist (the hand forms a fist), palm facing to the side and knuckles pointing forward. The action is repeated a few times. (This sign may also be made with two hands.)
1598The act of milking a cow.
1599The hand grasps one of the teats on an imaginary female cow’s udder and then squeezes the teat to get milk. The udder of a female cow (and other mammals) secretes and stores milk (a whitish fluid) for the nourishment of her calf or young. Cow’s milk, cream, and other dairy products are often consumed by humans as well and are a good source of calcium.
1600The flat-hand (the hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palm facing in and fingers pointing to the side, initially is held a short distance in front of the body at upper chest level. The hand then moves in to rest on the upper chest.
1601The act of pressing what is mine against my chest.
1602The hand represents an object that is pressed against a person’s own chest to show possession. Something that is mine is something that belongs to me, is related to me, or is characteristic of me. Mine is the possessive form of the pronoun I. Related to the sign for Me.
1603The edges of the tips of the index finger and thumb of the G-hand (the index finger and thumb are extended from an otherwise closed hand and are parallel), palm and fingers pointing to the side and knuckles pointing up, initially touch the opposite side of the neck. The index finger and thumb then slide to the other side of the neck.
1604The act of a minister putting on a clerical collar.
1605The index finger and thumb represent the approximate width of a minister’s or priest’s clerical collar. Ministers or members of the clergy are persons authorized to perform religious services. Such a person often wears a clerical collar (a stiff, white band) around his or her neck.
1606The active pointing-hand (the index finger is extended from an otherwise closed hand), palm facing to the side and finger pointing up, initially is held close to or resting on the stationary flat-hand (the hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palm facing to the opposite side and fingers pointing up. Both hands are in front of the body at upper chest level. The active hand then rotates forward about an inch, ending with the index finger pointing diagonally up.
1607The act of a minute hand or second hand moving on a clock.
1608The index finger of the active hand represents the minute hand or second hand on a clock’s face (represented by the stationary hand). When the active index finger moves a short distance, it means a minute (a time period of sixty seconds) has passed. The short distance of the movement may also indicate a brief instant or moment in time or the passing of a shorter amount of time (such as a second). Related to the sign for Hour.
1609The flat-hand (the hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palm facing in and fingers pointing up, initially is held in front of and to the side of the face. The wrist then rotates slightly from side to side. The eyes should gaze at the palm. A smile or happy facial expression is appropriate.
1610The act of gazing at one’s reflection in a mirror.
1611The hand represents a small, handheld mirror that a person looks into to check his or her appearance. A mirror is a smooth, polished surface (typically made of glass) that reflects images and light. A reflection is an image of a person, animal, or object that is seen in a mirror or on a shiny surface.
1612Pointing-hands (the index fingers are extended from otherwise closed hands), palms facing to opposite sides and fingers pointing up, initially are held about a foot apart in front of the sides of the body at upper chest level. The hands then move to opposite sides, passing each other along the way. (The hands should be several inches apart when they pass each other).
1613The act of two people missing each other.
1614Each index finger represents a person. The two people start to approach each other (represented by the initial position), but then they pass by without encountering or making face to face contact (represented by the intermediate and final positions). To miss means to fail to meet or make contact with someone. Related to the sign for Meet.
MISTAKE

Synonyms: Accident (mistake), Accidentally, Amiss, Blunder, Botch, Bungle, By Accident, Error, Gaffe, Lapse, Mistaken, Slip-Up
1615The fist (the hand forms a fist), palm facing in and knuckles pointing up, initially is held just in front of the chin. The fist then taps the chin a couple of times. A frown or unhappy facial expression is appropriate.
1616The act of taking it on one’s chin for making a mistake.
1617The hand represents a mistake or error that a person confronts or takes on his or her chin. The expression “taking it on the chin” means for a person to suffer the consequences or results of his or her errors, gaffes, or mistakes. A mistake is a blunder, wrong action, slip-up, lapse in judgment, or an error in understanding.
1618The active pointing-hand (the index finger is extended from an otherwise closed hand), palm facing down and finger pointing to the side, initially rests on top of the elbow of the stationary arm, palm facing down and fingers pointing to the opposite side. Both hands are in front of the body at lower chest level. The active hand then arcs up to just above shoulder level as the palm rotates out and index finger points up.
1619Monday is the first day of the workweek.
1620The active hand represents the path or course of the sun as it rises above the horizon (represented by the stationary forearm) on Monday, the first day of the workweek (in many countries). The sign for One superimposed on the sign for Day.
1621The curved-hand (the fingers and thumb are together and curved), palm facing up and fingers pointing mostly forward, initially is held in front of the body at lower chest level. The ball of the thumb then strokes the tips of the fingers.
1622The act of feeling money held in one’s hand.
1623The thumb strokes imaginary cash, money, or currency held in a person’s hand. Money or currency is legal tender that is in circulation and accepted as a medium of exchange in payment for services or products. This sign may also be used to represent that something is expensive or costs a lot of money. Financial means of or pertaining to a person’s money, assets, or funds.
1624The tips of the fingers of the curved-hand (the fingers and thumb are together and curved), palm facing up and fingers pointing mostly to the side, initially touch the side of the body below the armpit. The fingers then arc up slightly. (This sign can also be made with two hands.)
1625The act of a monkey scratching its side.
1626The hand represents the hand of a monkey as it scratches its side. Chimpanzees and monkeys are often depicted as scratching themselves. Monkeys, apes, baboons, bonobos, chimps, and orangutans are hairy, non-human primates with hands and feet that are capable of grasping.
1627Claw-hands (the fingers are spread apart and bent), palms facing out and knuckles pointing up, initially are extended out to the sides of the body at head level with the arms bent at the elbows. The hands then bend forward from the wrists a couple of times. A fierce or mean facial expression is appropriate.
1628The act of a monster making threatening gestures.
1629The arms and hands represent the arms (or legs) and paws of a monster. A monster or ogre is often depicted as a large, hideous creature that makes menacing, spooky, or threatening gestures. Ferocious means fierce or ready to attack.
1630The tip of the index finger of the active pointing-hand (the index finger is extended from an otherwise closed hand), palm facing down and finger pointing diagonally forward and down, initially touches the top of the palm of the stationary flat-hand (the hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palm facing up and slightly in and fingers pointing diagonally forward to the opposite side. Both hands are in front of the body at lower chest level. The active index finger then slides about halfway down the stationary index finger. The movement is repeated three more times on the stationary middle finger, ring finger, and little finger. The eyes should look down at the stationary hand.
1631The act of showing the four weeks in a month.
1632The index finger of the active hand points to or indicates each of the four horizontal rows or weeks (represented by the fingers of the stationary hand) on a page in a monthly calendar (represented by the stationary hand). A month is one twelfth of a year or about four weeks in duration. On modern calendars, a month has between twenty-eight and thirty-one days. Related to the sign for Week.
1633The curved-hand (the fingers and thumb are together and curved), palm facing to the side and fingers pointing mostly up, initially is extended forward in front of one side of the body above head level. The hand then arcs down a short distance.
1634The act of outlining the curve of the moon in the night sky.
1635The hand outlines or draws the partial curve or arc of the moon that is visible in the sky (represented by the location above head level) during its crescent phase. A moon is a body in space that orbits around a planet. The crescent phase of the monthly lunar cycle is when less than half of the moon is visible; this phase occurs before and after a new moon (the time when the face of the moon is completely dark as seen from Earth).
MORNING

Synonyms: A.M., Light (color), Lighten (sky)
Antonyms: Dark, Darken, Darkness, Dim, Evening, Shade, Shadows
1636Flat-hands (each hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palms facing in and fingers pointing to opposite sides, initially are held near the elbows in front of the body at upper chest level. The hands then arc up to opposite sides of the head, ending with the forearms vertical and fingers pointing up. (To indicate the meanings Dark, Darken, Darkness, Dim, Evening, Shade, or Shadows, reverse the action of the sign.)
1637The act of the sky becoming brighter in the morning.
1638The horizontal forearms represent the horizon and the hands represent light spreading throughout the sky as the sun rises in the morning (represented by the movement and the final position). Morning is the early part of the day, often referring to the time period occurring between sunrise and noon.
1639The tip of the thumb of the spread- or 5-hand (the hand is flat with fingers spread apart and extended), palm facing to the side and fingers pointing up, touches the upper chest near or above the breast.
1640The act of a mother nourishing her infant at her breast.
1641The tip of the thumb is held near the breast because the mother often is the one who breastfeeds or nourishes an infant. A mother is a female parent or figure who has helped produce and/or rear a child. Mom, Mommy, and Mama are common terms of endearment for a person’s own mother.
1642Fists (each hand forms a fist), palms facing down and knuckles pointing forward, initially are held about eighteen inches apart in front of and to the sides of the body at chest level. The fists then arc back by bending at the wrists. The action is repeated.
1643The act of revving the engine on a motorcycle.
1644The fists grasp and hold the handlebars of an imaginary motorcycle and then rev the engine (increase the number of revolutions per minute of the engine) by bending the fists back. A motorcycle or motorbike is a two-wheeled motor vehicle larger than a bicycle. A motorcycle is steered by moving its handlebars from side to side.
1645The pointing-hand (the index finger is extended from an otherwise closed hand), palm facing down and finger pointing diagonally forward, initially is held in front of the opposite side of the body at chest level. The hand then moves diagonally up and down a couple of times as it moves to the other side.
1646The act of drawing the shape of two mountains.
1647The index finger outlines or draws the steep slopes and narrow, pointed summits or peaks of a pair of mountains. A mountain is one of a range of multiple elevations of the ground or of the surface of a planet; mountains are taller and reach higher elevations than hills. A hill is also an elevation of the ground but is much shorter and may exist on its own or in proximity to other hills.
1648The back of the tapered- or O-hand (the fingers are together and curved, with the finger tips touching the thumb tip), palm facing out and knuckles pointing up, touches the tip of the nose.
1649The hand resembles the pointed nose of a mouse.
1650The hand represents the long, pointed nose of a mouse or rat. A mouse or rat is a small rodent that may proliferate in the country as well as in urban settings; rats and mice are often viewed as pests. Rodents are mammals with continuously growing front teeth (incisors) and are known for gnawing on their food, wood, or hard surfaces.
1651The spread curved-hand (the fingers are spread apart and curved), palm facing down and fingers pointing mostly forward, initially is held in front of the side of the body at lower chest level. The hand then moves several inches diagonally forward and out to the side. Then, the index finger moves down slightly a couple of times.
1652The act of using a computer mouse.
1653The hand grips an imaginary computer mouse, moves it, and then pushes one of its buttons. A computer mouse is an often oval-shaped electronic device that allows a person to move a cursor on a computer screen and to select an item by clicking or pressing down on one of the mouse’s buttons.
1654The pointing-hand (the index finger is extended from an otherwise closed hand), palm facing in and finger pointing slightly diagonally up, makes a circle around the mouth. The mouth may be open.
1655The act of showing the location of one’s mouth.
1656The index finger points to or indicates the location of a person’s mouth or oral cavity. The mouth is the orifice or opening in a person’s face through which food and drink are consumed. Oral means of or pertaining to the mouth.
MOVE (RELOCATE)

Synonyms: Mobile, Moveable, Movement, Put Down (an object), Relocate, Shift Location, Transfer
1657Claw-hands (the fingers are spread apart and bent), palms facing each other and to opposite sides and knuckles pointing diagonally forward, initially are held about six to nine inches apart in front of and to one side of the body near waist level. The hands then arc up and over to the other side of the body. (This sign may be altered to show the actual direction that the object is to be moved.)
1658The act of moving an object.
1659The hands grasp an imaginary object and then move or transfer it from its current location (represented by the initial position) to another location (represented by the final position). This sign may also be used to represent a person relocating from one residence to a home in a different area or place. To move means to change place, relocate, or shift the position of something.
1660The fist (the hand forms a fist), palm facing down and knuckles pointing forward, initially is held in front of and to the side of the head. The fist then makes vertical circles.
1661The act of a movie reel turning.
1662The fist represents a movie reel as it turns in an imaginary projector (a device that shines light through film and projects the images onto a screen). A movie is a motion picture or film. Historically, viewing movies involved the use of large rotary wheels (reels) on which film was wound. In addition, early movie cameras often involved the use of hand cranking to advance the film in the camera.
1663Pointing-hands (the index fingers are extended from otherwise closed hands), palms facing each other and to opposite sides and fingers pointing diagonally up to opposite sides, touch at the knuckles to form an “X.” Both hands are in front of the body at upper chest level.
1664The “X” resembles a multiplication symbol.
1665The crossed index fingers represent the mathematical times or multiplication symbol (x) often used in textbooks. To multiply means to increase greatly in number, often by repetition or multiples.
1666The tip of the index finger of the active pointing-hand (the index finger is extended from an otherwise closed hand), palm and finger pointing in and knuckles pointing to the side, touches the biceps or upper part of the flexed stationary arm. The stationary arm is extended out to the side of the body at shoulder level with the forearm pointing up or diagonally up.
1667The act of showing the location of one’s large upper arm muscle.
1668The active index finger points to or indicates the location of the prominent upper arm muscle known as the biceps. A muscle is a type of tissue that is involved in maintaining posture, producing motion, and the exertion of force upon an object (or upon a person during a fight or in certain sports).
MUSIC

Synonyms: Choir, Concert, Conductor, Conduct Music, Orchestra, Sing, Singer, Song, Symphony, Tune (song)
1669Pointing-hands (the index fingers are extended from otherwise closed hands), palms facing down and fingers pointing mostly forward and slightly up, initially are held next to each other in front of the body at upper chest level. (The edges of the tips of the index fingers may touch.) The hands then arc apart to opposite sides and back together again a few times. (To indicate the meanings Choir, Sing, or Singer, open the mouth while performing this sign.)
1670The act of conducting the music of an orchestra.
1671One of the index fingers may represent a baton that is waved back and forth with a conductor’s hands as he or she leads a symphony performance of an orchestra or directs a choir (a group of people singing). Music is an ordering of sounds, often with a particular rhythm. A concert is a musical performance.
1672The edge of the index finger of the pointing-hand (the index finger is extended from an otherwise closed hand), palm facing down and finger pointing to the side, initially is held on the face above one side of the upper lip and below the nose. The finger then moves to be above the other side of the upper lip.
1673The act of feeling one’s mustache.
1674The index finger represents the approximate dimensions and location of a person’s mustache. A mustache is a growth of hair on the upper lip of humans, particularly teen and adult males.
1675The tips of the index finger and thumb of the active baby O-hand (the index finger and thumb are curved and touch at their tips from an otherwise closed hand), palm facing down and knuckles pointing diagonally forward, graze or slide down a few fingernails of the stationary spread- or 5-hand (the hand is flat with fingers spread apart and extended), palm facing down and fingers pointing diagonally forward to the opposite side. Both hands are in front of the body at lower chest level.
1676The act of brushing nail polish onto one’s fingernails.
1677The active hand grasps a small, imaginary brush and uses it to paint or apply nail polish to some of the fingernails of the stationary hand. Nail polish is a clear or colored liquid that is applied to a person’s fingernails. Nail polish hardens to form a coating that protects and decorates the fingernails.
1678Flat-hands (each hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palms facing down and fingers pointing forward, initially are held about a foot apart just in front of the body at waist level. The hands then move toward each other until the edges of the index fingers and/or thumbs touch. The wrists may touch the abdomen.
1679The act of placing a napkin in one’s lap.
1680The hands represent a napkin, cloth, or paper towel that is placed on a person’s lap to protect his or her clothes from food during meals. A napkin is also used to wipe a person’s mouth and to clean his or her hands during or after a meal.
NARCOTIC(S)

Synonyms: Addict (drug), Analgesic, Anesthetic, Anxiolytic, Drug Addict, Drug (illegal), Heroin, Lidocain™, Painkiller, Sedative, Tranquilizer
1681The active fist (the hand forms a fist), palm facing in and knuckles pointing to the side, initially is held a few inches above the stationary forearm, palm facing up and fingers pointing diagonally forward. Both hands are in front of the body at chest level. The active fist then moves down until the base of the fist hits the stationary forearm near the crook of the arm.
1682The act of injecting a painkiller or narcotic into one’s arm.
1683The active hand grasps an imaginary syringe full of liquid narcotics and then injects the liquid into the bloodstream through a blood vessel in the stationary forearm. Narcotics, analgesics, and anesthetics are drugs used for the relief of pain or discomfort. This sign may also be used to indicate the taking of illegal drugs (such as heroin) by a person who is addicted to them. Lidocain™ is an anesthetic used to numb an area of the body before a surgical or medical procedure.
NARROW

Synonyms: Abbreviate (shorten), Abbreviation, Abridge (shorten), Abstract (summary), Acronym, Brief (legal), Concise, Contraction (grammatical), Finite, Keep it Short (brief), Limited, Précis, Restrict, Root (of a word), Short Form (abbreviation), Short (length), Succinct, Summarize, Summary, Synopsis, Temporary, Terse
1684Flat-hands (each hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palms facing each other and to opposite sides and fingers pointing forward, initially are held about a foot apart in front of the sides of the body at lower chest level. The hands then move toward each other until they are only a few inches apart.
1685The act of showing the narrow width of something.
1686The hands initially represent the outer edges or sides of a normal-sized object. The hands then move closer together to show that the referenced object is narrower than normal. Narrow means small or limited in width. The hands may also initially represent the full length of a word and then move closer together to denote an acronym, abbreviation, contraction, root, or shortened form of that word. An abstract, brief, précis, summary, or synopsis is a short description of the contents of a larger document or an abridged version of that document. Finite means that there are a fixed, limited, or restricted number of options or answers.
1687The tips of the index finger and thumb of the baby O-hand (the index finger and thumb are curved and touch at their tips from an otherwise closed hand), palm facing down and knuckles pointing mostly to the side of the head, initially grip the top of the ear. The index finger and thumb then pull slightly out to the side as the head leans in that direction.
1688The act of leading away a disobedient or naughty child.
1689A parent or caregiver may grasp or pinch a disobedient or badly behaved child’s ear and then lead him or her away (represented by the final position) to be punished. A child who is mischievous or naughty often misbehaves, is disobedient, and causes a disruption.
1690The active bent-hand (the fingers are together and extended at a right angle with respect to the palm), palm and fingers pointing in and knuckles pointing to the side, initially is held about nine inches to the side of the stationary flat-hand (the hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palm facing to the side and fingers pointing forward. Both hands are in front of the body at chest level. The active hand then moves to the side until it is about an inch away from the stationary hand.
1691The act of one hand approaching or coming near to the other.
1692The active hand represents one object that is initially at a distance from another object (represented by the stationary hand), but then approaches or comes close to that object. Something that is near or nearby is close to or almost at a person’s or an object’s current position or is only a short distance away.
1693Flat-hands (each hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palms facing in and fingers pointing up with the edges of the little fingers touching, initially are held about twelve inches in front of the face. The hands then slowly move in until they are about six inches away from the face. Squinting is appropriate.
1694The act of a nearsighted person holding a book close to his or her face.
1695The hands represent the pages of an open book. The book must be moved closer to the face because the nearsighted person is having a hard time seeing and reading the words on the pages. A person who is nearsighted or who has myopia has difficulty seeing things at a distance; such a person may move reading materials closer to his or her face.
1696The tip of the index finger of the pointing-hand (the index finger is extended from an otherwise closed hand), palm facing down and finger pointing to the side, touches the side of the neck.
1697The act of showing the location of one’s neck.
1698The index finger points to or indicates the location of a person’s neck. The neck is the part of the body that connects the head to the trunk or torso. The muscles in a person’s neck allow that person to turn his or her head from side to side, as well as look up and down.
1699The tips of the index fingers of pointing-hands (the index fingers are extended from otherwise closed hands), palms facing in and fingers pointing diagonally up to opposite sides, initially touch the center of the upper chest near the base of the neck. The hands then arc up to opposite sides of the neck.
1700The act of showing off a necklace worn around one’s neck.
1701The index fingers point to or indicate the location of a necklace or a string of pearls hanging around a person’s neck. A necklace is an ornament or piece of jewelry that is worn around a person’s neck. A choker typically is a short, close-fitting necklace.
1702The tips of the fingers and thumb of the C-hand (the fingers are together and curved, with the thumb opposite the fingers), palm facing in and fingers pointing mostly to the side, initially touch the upper chest at the base of the neck. The hand then moves straight down to near waist level.
1703The act of showing the location of one’s necktie.
1704The hand outlines the approximate shape and length of a necktie or cravat. A necktie is a cloth garment, typically long and narrow, that is tied in front of a person’s neck and hangs down to near waist level. Ties are typically worn by men when wearing a suit or more formal business attire.
1705Fists (each hand forms a fist), palms facing in and knuckles pointing diagonally down to opposite sides, initially are crisscrossed at the wrists as they are held on or near the waist. The fists then shake or move slightly as the signer bends forward. A frown or an unhappy facial expression is appropriate.
1706The act of fidgeting because one needs to use the bathroom.
1707The crossed arms represent the crossed legs of a person (especially a child) who needs to use the bathroom or toilet. The movement of the fists represents the nervous fidgeting, squirming, or restless behavior of someone who has an urgent need to urinate or defecate.
1708The spread- or 5-hand (the hand is flat with fingers spread apart and extended), palm facing down and fingers pointing diagonally forward and down, initially is held in front of the body at lower chest level. The hand then shakes or flutters slightly. A frown or fearful facial expression is appropriate.
1709The act of a person’s hand trembling with anxiety or nervous energy.
1710A person who is nervous or anxious often is unable to keep still and may shake or tremble involuntarily. To be nervous means that a person is jittery, restless, or rattled and may act in an unsteady manner.
1711Flat-hands (each hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palms facing down and fingers pointing diagonally up to opposite sides, initially are crisscrossed in front of the body at chest level. The hands then forcefully move diagonally down to opposite sides of the body below waist level. Frowning and shaking the head “No” are appropriate.
1712The act of X-ing out any possibility to show something will never happen.
1713The crossed arms form an X-shape that represents that a person’s path is blocked and further action is prohibited, banned, or forbidden. The large, forceful movement indicates that something is never allowed. Something that is impossible will never happen or will not occur at any time or place. A taboo is a culturally prohibited or forbidden activity.
1714Tapered- or O-hands (the fingers are together and curved, with the finger tips touching the thumb tips), palms facing in and knuckles pointing diagonally up, initially are held a few inches apart just in front of and below the mouth. The hands then arc forward a few inches as they swiftly open into spread- or 5-hands (each hand is flat with fingers spread apart and extended), palms facing up and fingers pointing forward. Blowing air as the hands open is appropriate.
1715The act of something new emerging; a breath of fresh air.
1716The O-hands represent something that is dormant or that has not yet been born, and the fingers of the 5-hands represent the emergence and spreading of that new thing. Something that is new has a quality of freshness to it as it has just been born, created, or made.
NEWSPAPER

Synonyms: Booklet, Brochure, Comic Book, Journal, Magazine, Menu, Pamphlet, Periodical (magazine)
1717The tips of the fingers and thumbs of tapered- or O-hands (the fingers are together and curved, with the finger tips touching the thumb tips), palms facing each other and to opposite sides and knuckles pointing forward, initially touch in front of the body at chest or upper chest level. The hands then arc up slightly and to opposite sides until they are about two to three feet apart.
1718The act of opening a newspaper or menu.
1719The hands grasp the edges of an imaginary newspaper, booklet, brochure, or pamphlet and then pull the edges apart so that a person can read the material on its pages. A newspaper is a publication, often printed on large paper sheets, that reports news events and various matters of public interest. A magazine, journal, or periodical is typically a soft-covered publication printed on regular-sized paper and geared toward specific topics (e.g., sports, fashion, health, gardening, academics, etc.).
1720The active flat-hand (the hand is flat with fingers together and extended) initially is held behind the stationary flat-hand, palms facing in and fingers pointing to opposite sides. Both hands are in front of the body at chest level. The fingers of the back, active hand may touch the fingers of the front, stationary hand. The active hand then arcs up, forward, and over the stationary hand.
1721The act of crossing a barrier to be next in line.
1722The stationary hand represents a barrier separating a customer (represented by the active hand) from an imaginary checkout counter. The person then moves forward (beyond the barrier) to be the next person to receive help. Something that is next is the immediately succeeding person, event, or place. The stationary hand may also represent the present time frame and the active hand moves to show a later time frame — the time after the present. After means later in time, following the present time, or subsequent to something.
1723The flat-hand (the hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palm facing to the side and fingers pointing down, initially touches the hip. The hand then moves about six inches out to the side.
1724The act of showing the space next to or beside one’s body.
1725The hand initially denotes a person’s own location and then moves to the side to show the location of someone else or something in the area next to that person (represented by the final position). Next to means alongside, beside, or adjacent to something. A neighbor is someone who typically lives next to, next door, or a relatively short distance away from a person’s own house or residence.
1726The hands, palms facing out and fingers pointing up, are held next to each other in front of the body at shoulder level. One hand is the spread- or 5-hand (the hand is flat with fingers spread apart and extended) and the other hand is the spread-or 5-hand with its thumb tucked into the palm.
1727Nine fingers or digits are held up; 5 + 4 = 9.
1728Nine fingers or digits are extended and should be counted — five on one hand and four on the other. Nine is the whole number or integer between eight and ten. Related to the signs for Five and Four.
1729The head twists from side to side. A frown or unhappy facial expression is appropriate.
1730The act of shaking one’s head to indicate “no.”
1731A person frequently twists or shakes his or her head from side to side as a way of conveying negation. No is an expression of refusal (when a person does not wish to do something) or an expression of negation (when a person does not agree with something).
NOISY

Synonyms: Cacophony, Clamorous, Din, Earsplitting, Echo, Loud (sound), Noise, Reverberate, Thunder, Thunderous
1732Flat-hands (each hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palms facing each other and to opposite sides and fingers pointing up, initially are held near to or touching the ears. The hands then abruptly move a short distance away from the head and then back to their original positions. A frown or unhappy facial expression is appropriate.
1733The act of noisy sounds bouncing off one’s ears.
1734The hands represent strong vibrations or loud sound waves reverberating or bouncing off a person’s eardrums. If the sound waves are powerful enough, they may rupture the eardrums and/or cause considerable pain. Noises often are loud, unpleasant, and distracting sounds. An echo is a repetition of a sound caused by that sound bouncing off a surface and subsequently being reflected back toward a listener.
1735The elbow of the flat-hand (the hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palm facing out and fingers pointing up, rests on the back of the stationary flat-hand, palm facing down and fingers pointing to the side. The stationary hand is in front of the body at lower chest level.
1736The act of the hour hand of a wall clock pointing straight up at noon.
1737The upper hand represents the hour hand of a clock as it points straight up to indicate noon or 12: 00. Noon is the middle of the day. The upper hand may also represent the sun at its highest point (zenith) in the sky relative to the horizon (represented by the stationary forearm). The sun’s zenith occurs at midday or noon. Related to the sign for Afternoon.
1738The flat-hand (the hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palm facing to the side and fingers pointing up, initially is held in front of one side of the body near chest level. The hand then moves straight up to above head level.
1739The act of showing the direction of north on a compass or map.
1740The hand represents the upward-pointing arrow of a compass indicating the direction of due north. On most geographical maps, north is at the top and is also indicated by an upward-pointing arrow. North is the direction of Earth’s pole that is located in the Arctic region. If a person faces a sunset, north is located to his or her right.
1741The tip of the index finger of the pointing-hand (the index finger is extended from an otherwise closed hand), palm facing in and finger pointing diagonally up, touches the nose.
1742The act of showing the location of one’s nose.
1743The index finger points to or indicates the location of a person’s nose. The nose is the organ used for smelling scents or odors. In humans, the nose is located in the center of a person’s face. In many animals, the nose is elongated and projects forward in front of the face. Nasal means of or pertaining to the nose.
NOTICE

Synonyms: Conspicuous, Detect, Discern, Eye-Catching, Identify, Noticeable, Observe, Perceive, Recognize
1744The tip of the index finger of the active pointing-hand (the index finger is extended from an otherwise closed hand), palm facing to the side and finger pointing up, initially touches the face near the eye or is held next to the eye. The stationary flat-hand (the hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palm facing in and fingers pointing diagonally up, is held about a foot in front of the lower face or upper chest. The active hand then arcs forward and down until the tip of its index finger points forward and touches the stationary palm.
1745The act of the eyes observing or noticing something in front of them.
1746The index finger of the active hand represents a person’s gaze, sight, or vision as that person detects, perceives, or identifies an object or another person (represented by the stationary hand). To notice means to detect, discern, observe, perceive, or take note of something. To recognize means to identify an object as something that a person has seen before.
1747The tip of the index finger of the L-hand (the index finger and thumb are extended from an otherwise closed hand and form a right angle), palm facing in and finger pointing diagonally up with the thumb pointing up, initially touches the corner of the mouth. The thumb then arcs down to rest on the upper edge of the index finger.
1748The act of giving someone a shot of Novocain™ before extracting a tooth.
1749The index finger represents the needle of a syringe and the thumb represents the syringe’s plunger. The thumb then arcs down as the plunger is depressed and the medication is administered. Novocain™ is a local anesthetic or painkiller often used by dentists during dental procedures such as tooth extractions.
1750The active fist (the hand forms a fist), palm facing in and knuckles pointing diagonally forward and up, initially is held to the side of the lower face. The stationary flat-hand (the hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palm facing up and fingers pointing diagonally forward to the opposite side, is held in front of the body at lower chest level. The active fist then moves diagonally down to forcefully contact the upturned palm of the stationary hand. A frown or angry facial expression is appropriate.
1751The act of insisting or demanding that something be done right now.
1752A person may pound his or her fist on a desk or countertop (represented by the stationary hand) to get the full attention of other people in the room. This action also conveys the impression that a person wants something to happen immediately and insists or demands that it be done right now. Now means in the present time or at once.
1753The tip of the index finger of the active pointing-hand (the index finger is extended from an otherwise closed hand), palm facing down and finger pointing diagonally forward, initially touches the tip of the thumb of the stationary spread- or 5-hand (the hand is flat with fingers spread apart and extended), palm facing in and fingers pointing diagonally forward and up to the opposite side. Both hands are in front of the body at chest level. The active index finger then touches the tips of the other stationary fingers.
1754The act of pointing to a number of things.
1755The index finger of the active hand points to or indicates a number of objects (represented by the fingers of the stationary hand). Each stationary finger may also represent or stand for a numeral or integer (e.g., one, two, three, four, or five). A number is a quantity that is designated by units.
1756The tips of the index and middle fingers of the active H-hand (the index and middle fingers are together and extended from an otherwise closed hand), palm facing down and fingers pointing diagonally forward, touch the wrist of the stationary hand, palm facing up. Both hands are in front of the body at lower chest level.
1757The act of a nurse taking a patient’s pulse.
1758The index and middle fingers of the active hand represent the fingers of a nurse as he or she checks a patient’s pulse by feeling the pulsating rhythm of blood flowing through the patient’s radial artery (located in the wrist). A nurse is a medically trained individual who cares for the sick or wounded.
OATH

Synonyms: Assert, Aver, Commit (to something), Commitment, Deposition, Guarantee, Pledge, Promise, Swear (an oath), Sworn, Testify, Testimony, Vow, Warranty
1759The flat-hand (the hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palm facing out and fingers pointing up, is held out to the side of the body at head level.
1760The act of swearing an oath to tell the truth.
1761The position of the hand represents that of a witness preparing to testify under oath in a court of law in the United States. Before sitting on the witness stand, he or she must first be sworn in by an officer of the court and must solemnly pledge to tell the truth while giving testimony. An oath is a formal promise or vow to fulfill a pledge, to tell the truth, or to do one’s duty.
OCEAN

Synonyms: Lake, Large Body of Water, Maritime, Pond, Sea, Surf (ocean waves), Undulating, Waves
1762Spread- or 5-hands (each hand is flat with fingers spread apart and extended), palms facing down and fingers pointing forward, initially are held a few inches apart in front of the body at chest level. The hands then arc about six inches up and down while moving forward about a foot.
1763The act of waves crashing upon the shore of a beach.
1764The hands represent the rolling or undulating motion of waves moving along the surface of an ocean or as the waves crash upon an imaginary shore. The hands may also represent the choppy or rippling surface of a large pond or lake on a windy day. An ocean or sea is a very large body of salt water.
1765The spread- or 5-hand (the hand is flat with fingers spread apart and extended), palm facing in and fingers pointing to the side, initially is held in front of the opposite side of the body at chest level. The hand then closes into a tapered- or O-hand (the fingers are together and curved, with the finger tips touching the thumb tip), palm facing diagonally in and knuckles pointing forward, as it moves a short distance to the side. The action is repeated a couple of times.
1766The act of an octopus swimming through water.
1767The hand represents the head and body of an octopus or squid and the fingers represent its arms or tentacles. An octopus is a marine animal with a relatively large head and eight flexible tentacles that are used to grasp food and to propel the octopus through water.
1768The H-hand (the index and middle fingers are together and extended from an otherwise closed hand), palm facing down and fingers pointing diagonally forward and out to the side, initially is extended out to the side of the body at upper chest level. The hand and arm then move down a few inches.
1769The act of turning off the power.
1770The flow of electricity to an overhead light is often turned on and off by a switch located on a wall. Moving the switch down turns the power off and turns the lights off. Off means not in operation.
1771The top of the fist (the hand forms a fist), palm facing in and knuckles pointing diagonally forward, initially rests against the bottom of the chin. The fist then moves down about six inches until it is in front of the chest.
1772The act of showing the length of an old man’s beard.
1773The fist represents the long hair of an old man’s beard. Elderly men in different cultures often have long beards. Old means existing for a long time. Age is a measurement of how long someone or something has existed.
1774The active fist (the hand forms a fist), palm facing down and knuckles pointing mostly forward, initially is held a few inches above the stationary flat-hand (the hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palm facing down and fingers pointing diagonally forward. Both hands are in front of the body at chest level. The active fist then moves down to rest on the back of the stationary hand.
1775The act of putting one object on top of another.
1776The active fist represents an object that is placed on top of a flat surface, such as a table or countertop (represented by the stationary hand). If something is on another thing, it rests on top of it.
1777The H-hand (the index and middle fingers are together and extended from an otherwise closed hand), palm facing up and fingers pointing diagonally forward and out to the side, initially is extended out to the side of the body at chest level. The hand and arm then move up a few inches.
1778The act of turning on the power.
1779The flow of electricity to an overhead light is often turned on and off by a switch located on a wall. Moving the switch up turns the power on and turns the lights on. On means in operation or functioning.
1780The pointing-hand (the index finger is extended from an otherwise closed hand), palm facing out and finger pointing up, is held in front of the body at shoulder level.
1781One finger or digit is held up.
1782One finger or digit is extended and should be counted. One is the whole number or integer between zero and two. One is a single thing or unit.
1783The tapered- or O-hand (the fingers are together and curved, with the finger tips touching the thumb tip), palm facing out and knuckles pointing up, initially is held next to the mouth. The hand then opens into a C-hand (the fingers are together and curved, with the thumb opposite the fingers), palm facing out and fingers pointing mostly up. The mouth opens at the same time. (To indicate the meaning Close One’s Mouth, reverse the action of the sign. The mouth closes at the same time.)
1784The act of opening one’s mouth.
1785The fingers represent the roof and upper lip of a person’s mouth and the thumb represents the lower lip and jaw. When the tips of the fingers and thumb touch, the hand represents a closed mouth. When the tips of the fingers and thumb are apart, the hand represents an open mouth. An open mouth is the separation of a person’s upper and lower lips and teeth.
OPERATION

Synonyms: Incision, Operable, Operate (surgery), Scalpel, Surgeon, Surgery, Surgical Blade
1786The tip of the thumb of the fist (the hand forms a fist), palm facing down and knuckles pointing to the side with the thumb extended and pointing in, initially touches the center of the body about halfway between the chest and the navel. The fist then slides a few inches to the side. (Alternatively, the tip of the thumb initially touches the opposite side of the body and then moves toward the center of the body.)
1787The act of making an incision during an operation.
1788The thumb represents a scalpel (a small, sharp, surgical blade or knife) that is used to make an incision in a patient’s body during an operation. Surgery is an operation or medical procedure in which a doctor removes tumors, repairs damage done to a person’s body, and/or inserts medical devices meant to prolong and improve that person’s quality of life.
OPPOSITE

Synonyms: Across From, Adversary, Antagonist, Anti- (prefix), Antithesis, Antonym, At Odds, Contradict, Contradiction, Contradictory, Contrary, Counter To, Differ (disagree), Disagree (opinion), Dissent (contrary view), Enemy, Foe, Hold Opposing Views, In Contrast, Nemesis, Opponent, Oppose, Opposed, Opposition, Rival, To the Contrary, Versus
1789The tips of the fingers of pointing-hands (the index fingers are extended from otherwise closed hands), palms facing diagonally in and fingers pointing at each other and to opposite sides, initially are held a short distance apart in front of the body at upper chest level. The hands then move to opposite sides until they are about a foot apart.
1790The act of two viewpoints being opposite of each other.
1791The index fingers represent enemies, adversaries, rivals, or opponents on opposite sides of a border or an imaginary fence. Something that is opposite is located directly across from or on the other side. The index fingers may also represent the opposing viewpoints of two people who disagree. To disagree means for two or more people to take different (or contrary) sides in an argument.
1792The active curved-hand (the fingers and thumb are together and curved), palm facing down and fingers pointing mostly diagonally forward, initially rests on the back of the stationary fist (the hand forms a fist), palm facing down and knuckles pointing diagonally forward to the opposite side. Both hands are in front of the body just above waist level. The active hand then twists back and forth a short distance as it pushes down on the stationary fist.
1793The act of squeezing juice from a fresh orange.
1794The palm of the active hand represents the pulp side of half of an orange and the stationary fist represents the raised center of a manual juicer. As the active hand moves back and forth, the juice or liquid contained in the pulp of the orange is extracted and flows into an imaginary cup or reservoir. Orange juice is a drink made from the pulp and liquid within oranges. Orange juice is often consumed at breakfast.
1795The edge of the thumb of the flat-hand (the hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palm facing to the side and fingers pointing up, initially rests against the chest on one side of the body. The hand then arcs forward and to the other side, ending with the edge of the little finger touching the opposite side of the chest and the palm facing to the other side.
1796The act of showing that our bodies are members of an inclusive circle.
1797The hand represents the outer boundary of a partial circle that includes the bodies of several people, including the signer’s own body. Something that is ours is something that belongs to us, is related to us, or is characteristic of us. Our is the possessive form of the pronoun we. Related to the sign for We.
OUT

Synonyms: Ecto- (prefix), Exo- (prefix), Exterior, External, Extract, Extricate, Outdoors, Output, Outside, Remove, Take Something Out
1798The tips of the fingers of the active tapered- or O-hand (the fingers are together and curved, with the finger tips touching the thumb tip), palm facing down and knuckles pointing forward, initially are held just inside the top of the stationary tapered-or O-hand, palm facing to the side and knuckles pointing forward. Both hands are in front of the body at chest level. The active hand then arcs up and a short distance away. (To indicate the meanings Exterior, External, Outdoors, or Outside, make this sign but continue the movement up and out to the side as the hand becomes a pointing-hand (the index finger is extended from an otherwise closed hand), palm facing down and finger pointing diagonally forward and out to the side.)
1799The act of taking one thing out of another thing.
1800The active hand represents an object that is initially located inside of a container (represented by the stationary hand). The object is then removed or taken out of the container and placed in another location (represented by the final position). Out means away from or not inside. Something that is out is located outside, outdoors, external, or to the exterior of something else.
OVEN

Synonyms: Bake, Baker, Baking Dish or Pan, Furnace, Kiln, Range (stove), Roast, Stove, Toaster Oven
1801The active flat-hand (the hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palm facing up and fingers pointing diagonally forward, initially is held just in front of the body near waist level. The hand then moves diagonally forward until it is several inches below the stationary flat-hand, palm facing down and fingers pointing to the side and slightly forward.
1802The act of sliding a baking dish into an oven.
1803The active hand represents a dish or pan of food that is put into an oven to bake, and the stationary hand represents the ceiling of the oven. Baking is a means of cooking food by using the dry heat of an oven (a kitchen device that generates heat). A baker is a person who makes and sells different types of bread, cake, and/or pastry. This sign may also be used to refer to baking clay products in a kiln to remove moisture and harden them.
1804Pointing-hands (the index fingers are extended from otherwise closed hands), palms facing in and fingers pointing diagonally up to opposite sides, initially are held just in front of and to the sides of the eyes. The index fingers then trace small circles around the eyes.
1805The act of showing the large eyes of an owl.
1806The index fingers point to or indicate the large eyes of an owl. Owls are predatory birds that are often awake at night or that actively hunt for prey after the sun goes down. Owls have keen nocturnal vision that allows them to see well in the dark.
1807The tips of the index and middle fingers of the V-hand (the index and middle fingers are spread apart and extended from an otherwise closed hand in the shape of a “V”), palm facing in and fingers pointing diagonally up, initially are held near the upper lip. The hand then moves up slightly until the tips of the fingers touch (or nearly touch) the nostrils.
1808The act of putting oxygen tubes into a patient’s nostrils.
1809The index and middle fingers represent the small prongs of plastic tubing that are inserted into a patient’s nose to deliver air and oxygen into his or her nasal cavity for assistance in breathing. The tubing itself is attached to a machine that generates oxygen or to a canister of compressed oxygen. Oxygen is a gas that is critically important to human and animal life.
1810The okay-hand (the index finger and thumb are curved and touch at their tips from an otherwise open hand), palm facing in and fingers pointing to the side and slightly up, initially is held a few inches in front of the mouth. The hand then moves in until the tips of the index finger and thumb touch the lips.
1811The act of putting a pacifier in a baby’s mouth.
1812The tips of the index finger and thumb represent the rubber or silicone nipple of a pacifier as it is placed in a baby’s mouth. Sucking on a pacifier helps to soothe or console a crying infant. A teething ring typically is a rubber or silicone device that may be cooled and given to an infant who is experiencing pain because his or her baby teeth are starting to come in.
1813Pointing-hands (the index fingers are extended from otherwise closed hands), palms and fingers pointing at each other and to opposite sides and knuckles pointing forward, initially are held about six inches apart in front of the body at chest level. The hands then quickly move a short distance toward and away from each other a few times. A frown or pained facial expression is appropriate. (This sign can also be made near the part of the body that hurts. Alternatively, one can make this sign and then point to the source of pain.)
1814The act of feeling a sharp, stabbing pain.
1815The movements of the hands represent sharp, painful spasms affecting an area of a person’s body, often resulting from a physical injury or medical condition. Pain refers to physical suffering, aches and pangs, tenderness or soreness in a person’s muscles, or an unpleasant sensation that hurts.
1816The backs of the fingers of the active bent-hand (the fingers are together and extended at a right angle with respect to the palm), palm and fingers pointing diagonally in and knuckles pointing down, initially rest on the upturned palm of the stationary flat-hand (the hand is flat with fingers together and extended), fingers pointing diagonally forward. Both hands are in front of one side of the body at chest level. The active bent-hand then brushes forward along the stationary hand, flips open into a flat-hand, palm facing down and fingers pointing forward, and then brushes back down the stationary fingers and palm. The action may be repeated. (This sign can also be made with the fingers of the active bent-hand slightly curved.)
1817The act of painting something with a paintbrush.
1818The fingers of the active hand represent the bristles of a paintbrush (represented by the rest of the active hand) as they spread paint on a flat surface (represented by the stationary hand). Paint is a colored liquid that is often applied to walls, furniture, vehicles, signs, and other objects for decoration and protection.
1819The tip of the index finger of the active pointing-hand (the index finger is extended from an otherwise closed hand), palm facing down and finger pointing diagonally forward and down, initially touches or is held slightly above where the fingers meet the palm of the stationary flat-hand (the hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palm facing up and fingers pointing diagonally forward to the opposite side. Both hands are in front of the body at chest level. The tip of the active index finger then arcs back to the base of the stationary palm (toward the signer).
1820The act of showing the location of one’s palm.
1821The index finger of the active hand points to or indicates the location of the palm of a person’s stationary hand. The palm is the inner surface of the hand. The palm extends from the base of the fingers to the wrist.
1822The active spread- or 5-hand (the hand is flat with fingers spread apart and extended), palm facing up and fingers pointing diagonally up, initially is held a couple of inches below the stationary flat-hand (the hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palm facing up and fingers pointing diagonally forward. Both hands are in front of the body at chest level. The fingers of the active hand then wiggle.
1823The act of heating up the bottom of a frying pan.
1824The wiggling fingers of the active hand represent the flames of a gas burner or of a fire heating the bottom of a frying pan, griddle, or skillet (represented by the stationary hand). A pan or skillet is a relatively wide and shallow metal container used for cooking, and often frying, food.
1825The active flat-hand (the hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palm facing up and fingers pointing diagonally forward, initially rests on the upturned palm of the stationary flat-hand, fingers pointing diagonally forward to the opposite side. Both hands are in front of the body at lower chest level. The active hand then flips over so that its palm faces down. The action may be repeated. (This sign can also be made with the active flat-hand initially palm down and then flipping over so that the palm faces up.)
1826The act of flipping or turning over a pancake.
1827The active hand represents a pancake being cooked in a pan (represented by the stationary hand). The pancake is then turned over (represented by the final position) so that the other side can be cooked as well. A pancake, flapjack, or crepe is a thin, flat cake often eaten for breakfast. Pancakes are made from a flour-based batter that is cooked in a frying pan or on a griddle.
1828Flat-hands (each hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palms facing each other and to opposite sides and fingers pointing down, initially are held on the sides of one upper leg. The hands then move down toward the knee. The sign is repeated on the other leg.
1829The act of smoothing out the legs of one’s pants or trousers.
1830The hands represent the relatively close-fitting fabric of a pair of pants, slacks, or jeans that cover and surround each leg. Pants and trousers are clothing or outer garments that extend from the waist to the ankles and cover each leg separately. Jeans are popular, sturdy pants made from cotton and often dyed blue.
1831The tips of the fingers and thumbs of tapered- or O-hands (the fingers are together and curved, with the finger tips touching the thumb tips), palms facing each other and to opposite sides and knuckles pointing down, initially touch the sides of one leg above the knee. The hands then move up the leg about six to nine inches. The sign is repeated on the other leg. (To indicate the meanings Sock Aid, Sock Donner, or Stocking Aid, make the sign with the hands about six inches to the sides of each leg.)
1832The act of pulling on pantyhose.
1833The hands grasp the stretchy fabric of imaginary pantyhose or stockings that have been put on a person’s lower leg and then pull the hose up toward the thigh. The action is then repeated on the other leg. Pantyhose, stockings, and nylons are thin, tight-fitting, mesh-like coverings for the feet and legs typically worn by females.
1834The flat-hand (the hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palm facing down and fingers pointing forward, is held in front of the body above waist level.
1835The hand resembles a sheet of paper.
1836The hand represents a flat sheet of paper, a small notepad, or a collection of stationery. Paper is a product made from pulped wood that is formed into flat sheets that are used for writing down notes, photocopying information, printing, and in the publishing of books or magazines. Stationery often is special paper that has been embossed with a logo, image, and/or contact information of a business, organization, or person.
1837The active G-hand (the index finger and thumb are extended from an otherwise closed hand and are parallel), palm and fingers pointing down and knuckles pointing diagonally forward, initially is held just above the stationary flat-hand (the hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palm facing in and fingers pointing diagonally forward to the opposite side. Both hands are in front of the body at chest level. The index finger and thumb of the active hand then slide down opposite sides of the stationary hand. (To indicate the meanings Bracket, Clamp (small), Clip (clamp), or Clothespin, the index finger and thumb of the G-hand should instead open slightly and then close around opposite sides of the stationary flat-hand.)
1838The act of putting a paper clip on several sheets of paper.
1839The thumb and index finger of the active hand represent the sides of a paper clip as it is placed around a small stack of paper (represented by the stationary hand). A paper clip is a piece of wire bent into loops that typically is used to hold sheets of paper together.
1840Pointing-hands (the index fingers are extended from otherwise closed hands), palms facing down and fingers pointing forward, initially are held a couple of inches apart in front of the body at chest level. The hands then move forward about six inches.
1841The act of two lines running parallel to each other.
1842The index fingers represent railroad tracks or two lines that are parallel to each other. Parallel lines are lines that stay the same distance apart (that is, they are equidistant from each other) and do not intersect at any point. Railroad tracks are parallel rails upon which trains travel from one location to another.
1843The active flat-hand (the hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palm facing down and fingers pointing to the side, initially is held in front of one side of the body at lower chest level. The active hand then moves horizontally about six inches, turns so that the fingers point forward, moves forward about six inches, and stops next to the stationary flat-hand, palm facing to the side and fingers pointing forward.
1844The act of parking one’s car.
1845The active hand represents a vehicle pulling into a parking space or coming to a stop next to a wall (represented by the stationary hand). A parking space is a designated area or location for parking or storing a vehicle when it is not in operation.
1846The bottom of the wrist of the active spread- or 5-hand (the hand is flat with fingers spread apart and extended), palm facing in and fingers pointing diagonally down, initially rests on the back of the stationary wrist, palm facing down. Both hands are in front of the body near lower chest level. The active hand then flutters or shakes slightly.
1847The act of experiencing the uncontrolled tremors of Parkinson’s disease.
1848The movement of the active hand represents the tremors or shaking of a person’s resting muscles that are often associated with Parkinson’s disease. Parkinson’s disease is a neurological disorder characterized by tremors, slowness of movement, and muscle weakness.
1849Fists (each hand forms a fist), palms facing to opposite sides and knuckles pointing forward with the thumbs extended and pointing up, initially are held in front of the body at chest level, with one fist about six inches behind the other fist. The fist that is closer to the body then moves around and about six inches in front of the other fist.
1850The act of one object passing or going by another.
1851The active fist represents an object, vehicle, or animal that is initially behind another object, vehicle, or animal (represented by the stationary hand). The active fist then overtakes and passes the stationary fist to be in front. To pass means to go by, get ahead of, or move beyond something.
PASSPORT

Synonyms: Accredit, Accreditation, Accredited, Authorize (papers), Authorization, Brand, Certification, Certify (papers), Date Stamp, Notarize, Rubber Stamp, Seal (of approval), Stamp (papers), Travel Papers, Validate (papers), Visa (travel)
1852The active fist (the hand forms a fist), palm facing to the side and knuckles pointing forward, initially is held several inches to the side of the stationary flat-hand (the hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palm facing up and fingers pointing diagonally forward. Both hands are in front of the body at lower chest level. The active fist then arcs up and to the side before moving down to hit the stationary palm.
1853The act of stamping a page in a passport.
1854The active fist represents a stamp that is used to validate, notarize, or certify a piece of paper (represented by the stationary hand). A customs official often uses a stamp to authorize entry into (or exit from) a country. In such a case, the stationary hand represents a person’s passport, travel papers, or visa. A passport is an official document and form of identification that indicates that a person is a citizen of a particular country.
PAST

Synonyms: Ago (in the past), Backward, Behind (time), Earlier, Former, Formerly, Gone By, History, In the Past, Previously
1855The flat-hand (the hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palm facing in and fingers pointing up, initially is held just in front of and to the side of the head. The hand then arcs back to behind the shoulder, rotating so that its palm faces down and fingers point diagonally up.
1856The act of showing that history or the past is behind us.
1857The path of the hand represents an imaginary timeline that extends from the current time (located near the front of a person’s body) to some distance into the past (located backward or behind a person’s body). The past means at an earlier, former, or previous time; a time that has gone by; or a time that has already ended. History is the study of past events.
PAY

Synonyms: Accounts Payable, Acquisition (purchase), Advance (of funds), Buy, Client (customer), Compensation, Customer, Grant (funds), Lend (money), Loan (money), Payment, Purchase, Remunerate, Shopping, Stipend
Antonyms: Accounts Receivable, Money Back, Rebate, Recompense, Refund, Reimburse
1858The tips of the fingers and thumb of the active tapered- or O-hand (the fingers are together and curved, with the finger tips touching the thumb tip), palm facing down and knuckles pointing diagonally forward, initially touch the upturned palm of the stationary flat-hand (the hand is flat with fingers together and extended), fingers pointing diagonally forward to the opposite side. Both hands are in front of the body at lower chest level. The active hand then slides forward on and several inches beyond the stationary hand. (To indicate the meanings Accounts Receivable, Money Back, Rebate, Recompense, Refund, or Reimburse, reverse the action of the sign.)
1859The act of paying money to another person.
1860The active hand represents money that is initially inside a person’s billfold or purse (represented by the stationary hand). The money is then given to an imaginary person (represented by the final position) to pay for or buy an item. To pay means to compensate a person for services rendered or to give money to buy something. Shopping means to go to a store with the intent of making a purchase.
PEAS

Synonyms: Beans, Black Beans, Black-Eyed Peas, Butter Beans, Edamame, Green Beans, Legumes, Lima Beans, Navy Beans, Pod (bean), Soy Beans
1861The tips of the index finger and thumb of the active baby O-hand (the index finger and thumb are curved and touch at their tips from an otherwise closed hand), palm facing down and knuckles pointing diagonally forward, initially touch the base of the index finger of the stationary pointing-hand (the index finger is extended from an otherwise closed hand), palm facing in and finger pointing diagonally forward to the opposite side. Both hands are in front of the body at chest level. The active hand then slowly moves down the stationary index finger in a series of small hops.
1862The act of pointing out several peas in a pod.
1863The index finger and thumb of the active hand represent individual peas arranged in a pod (represented by the index finger of the stationary hand). Peas (e.g., green peas or black-eyed peas) and beans (e.g., butter beans or lima beans) are small, roundish legumes that typically grow inside of an outer casing or pod.
1864The okay-hand (the index finger and thumb are curved and touch at their tips from an otherwise open hand), palm facing to the side and fingers pointing up, is held in front of one eye. Closing the other eye is appropriate.
1865The act of peeking or looking through a small hole.
1866The space between the index finger and thumb represents a small hole that a person peeks through to secretly get a look at or glimpse of someone or something. To peek or peep means to furtively look at something, often through a hole or crack, for a short period. A spy is a person who covertly gathers information, often for a government agency.
1867The tips of the index finger and thumb of the active baby O-hand (the index finger and thumb are curved and touch at their tips from an otherwise closed hand), palm facing down and knuckles pointing diagonally forward, initially touch a knuckle of the stationary fist (the hand forms a fist), palm facing down and knuckles pointing diagonally forward to the opposite side. Both hands are in front of the body at lower chest level. The active hand then moves diagonally in toward the body. The action is repeated on another knuckle.
1868The act of peeling a piece of fruit.
1869The index finger and thumb of the active hand grasp the rind of a piece of fruit (represented by the stationary fist). The active hand then removes or peels the rind away to expose the edible fruit underneath. A peel is the outer casing or rind of a piece of fruit.
1870The tips of the index finger and thumb of the active baby O-hand (the index finger and thumb are curved and touch at their tips from an otherwise closed hand), palm facing in and knuckles pointing diagonally up, initially touch the upper chest on one side of the body. The active hand then rotates so that the palm faces down and knuckles point diagonally forward as the tips of the index finger and thumb arc a short distance up and down along the upturned palm of the stationary flat-hand (the hand is flat with fingers together and extended), fingers pointing diagonally forward to the opposite side. Both hands are in front of the body at lower chest level. (Alternatively, one can eliminate the arcing movement on the palm.)
1871The act of writing with a pen.
1872The active hand grasps a pen located in the front pocket of a person’s shirt and then uses it to write in a notebook or on a piece of paper (represented by the stationary hand). A pen is a writing or drawing instrument that uses ink.
1873The tips of the index finger and thumb of the active baby O-hand (the index finger and thumb are curved and touch at their tips from an otherwise closed hand), palm facing to the side and knuckles pointing up, initially touch the head just above the ear. The active hand then rotates so that the palm faces down and knuckles point diagonally forward as the tips of the index finger and thumb arc a short distance up and down along the upturned palm of the stationary flat-hand (the hand is flat with fingers together and extended), fingers pointing diagonally forward to the opposite side. Both hands are in front of the body at lower chest level. (Alternatively, one can eliminate the arcing movement on the palm.)
1874The act of writing with a pencil.
1875The active hand grasps a pencil located above a person’s ear and then uses it to write in a notebook or on a piece of paper (represented by the stationary hand). A pencil is a writing or drawing instrument that typically consists of a thin strip of graphite enclosed in wood.
1876The arms initially are held straight down at the sides of the body with flat-hands (each hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palms and fingers pointing diagonally down to opposite sides. The body then shifts slightly from side to side. (To indicate the meaning Flippers (penguin), keep the body still but flap the hands up and down slightly.)
1877The act of a penguin shuffling along.
1878The arms and hands represent a penguin’s flippers, the rest of the body represents the penguin’s body, and the shifting movement mimics the penguin’s waddling or shuffling gait. A penguin is a flightless, aquatic bird with short legs that lives in the southern hemisphere.
PENIS

Synonyms: Erectile Dysfunction, Erection, Genitalia (male), Impotence (male), Male Genitalia, Male Sexual Organ, Phallus
1879The base of the pointing-hand (the index finger is extended from an otherwise closed hand), palm facing to the side and finger pointing forward and diagonally down, is held against the lower abdomen near its center. (To indicate the meanings Erectile Dysfunction or Impotence (male), make this sign and then rotate the hand until the index finger points straight down. To indicate the meaning Erection, make this sign and then rotate the hand until the index finger points diagonally up.)
1880The index finger resembles a male’s penis.
1881The index finger represents the approximate cylindrical shape and location of a male’s penis. (When pointing straight down, the finger represents a flaccid penis. When pointing diagonally up, the finger represents an erect penis.) A penis is the organ of sexual copulation for male humans and animals. Urine also typically leaves a male’s body through the penis.
1882The bases of flat-hands (each hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palms facing each other and to opposite sides and fingers pointing forward, initially are held against the sides of the body at chest level. The hands then move straight down to waist level.
1883The act of outlining a person’s upper body.
1884The movement of the hands represents or outlines the approximate location of the sides of a person’s torso, trunk, or upper body. A person is an individual human being.
PHOTOCOPY

Synonyms: Copier, Copy, Duplicate, Make a Copy, Photocopier, Print Out, Printer, Scanner, Xerox™
1885The active flat-hand (the hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palm facing up and fingers pointing diagonally forward, initially rests against the downturned palm of the stationary flat-hand, fingers pointing diagonally forward to the opposite side. Both hands are in front of the body at lower chest level. The active hand then slides down the stationary palm and fingers, flips over so that its palm faces down, and gently slaps the back of the stationary hand. The action is repeated.
1886The act of a photocopier making copies and stacking them up.
1887The active hand represents a piece of paper that moves through a photocopier, scanner, or a computer printer (represented by the stationary hand) and then is deposited into a tray (represented by the final position). A photocopy is a photograph-like reproduction or duplicate of a document onto paper. A printer is a device that produces a paper copy of a computer document. A scanner is a device that produces a digital copy of a paper document.
1888Spread curved-hands (the fingers are spread apart and curved), palms facing down and fingers pointing mostly forward, initially are held several inches apart in front of the body at lower chest level. The fingers then wiggle as the hands move from side to side.
1889The act of playing a piano or musical keyboard.
1890The movement of the hands and fingers represents a musician as he or she pushes down multiple keys on the keyboard of an imaginary piano or organ. A piano is a large musical instrument with wire strings that are struck with felt-covered hammers when a key is depressed. An organ is a piano-like musical instrument with multiple keyboards; an organ’s sound is created by the release of compressed air through various pipes.
1891The edge of the little finger of the active flat-hand (the hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palm facing to the side and fingers pointing forward, initially rests on the upturned palm of the stationary flat-hand, fingers pointing diagonally forward. Both hands are in front of the body at chest level. The active hand then moves down the stationary palm toward the body. Next, the active hand rotates so that the palm faces in and fingers point diagonally forward (forming an imaginary angle to its initial position), re-touches the stationary palm, and then moves across the stationary palm.
1892The act of cutting or slicing a piece of pie.
1893The active hand represents a knife that cuts out a triangular wedge from a pie, tart, or quiche (represented by the stationary hand). A pie, tart, or Danish is typically a sweet pastry that is filled with fruit; meat pies are also common. Quiche is a savory, baked pastry often filled with milk, cheese, eggs, and meat.
1894The edges of the index finger and thumb of the tapered-or O-hand (the fingers are together and curved, with the finger tips touching the thumb tip), palm facing to the side and knuckles pointing up, touch the nose.
1895The hand resembles a pig’s large nose.
1896The hand represents the large snout or nose of a pig. A pig is a stout, short-legged mammal with a broad or wide snout. A sow is a female pig or hog. A pig’s meat is known as pork or ham.
1897The head is tilted diagonally forward and down with the temple (the side of the forehead) resting on top of the forearm near the elbow, which is raised to near shoulder level.
1898The act of resting one’s head on a pillow.
1899The stationary forearm represents a pillow on which a person rests his or her head while sleeping. A pillow is a support for the head that is often used when a person is lying down. A pillow is filled with soft material such as cotton, feathers, or foam.
1900The tips of the fingers and thumb of the tapered-or O-hand (the fingers are together and curved, with the finger tips touching the thumb tip), palm facing diagonally in and knuckles pointing up, initially touch the side of the cheek. The hand then twists slightly from side to side. The sign may be repeated.
1901The act of squeezing a pimple.
1902A person with acne may squeeze or pick at pimples located on his or her face. Acne is a skin condition in which oil, bacteria, and dead skin cells cause pimples. Pimples and zits are inflammations of the skin glands or hair follicles.
1903The edges of the index fingers and thumbs of tapered- or O-hands (the fingers are together and curved, with the finger tips touching the thumb tips), palms facing down and knuckles pointing forward, initially touch in front of the body at chest level. The hands then move to opposite sides until they are about a foot apart.
1904The act of showing the shape and length of a pipe or tube.
1905The hands represent the approximate shape of a tube, hose, conduit, or piece of pipe: round on the outside and hollow in the middle. Pipes are typically used for the delivery and/or removal of water (or other liquids) within a building. Pipes may also be used to contain the flow of various gases. Hollow means that something is empty on the inside.
1906The edges of the tips of the index fingers of pointing-hands (the index fingers are extended from otherwise closed hands), palms and fingers pointing down and knuckles pointing forward, initially touch about twelve to eighteen inches in front of the body at lower chest level. The fingers then separate, trace a horizontal circle back toward the signer, and then touch again just in front of the body.
1907The act of showing the round shape of a pizza.
1908The index fingers trace or outline the approximate size and shape of a large, round pizza. A pizza is a baked dish made of bread dough and often covered with tomato sauce, cheese, various meats, and sliced vegetables (or some other combination of toppings).
1909The active pointing-hand (the index finger is extended from an otherwise closed hand), palm and finger pointing down and knuckles pointing diagonally forward, initially is held a few inches away from the stationary flat-hand (the hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palm facing up and fingers pointing diagonally forward to the opposite side. Both hands are in front of the body at lower chest level. The active hand then traces a horizontal circle around the stationary hand. (To indicate the meaning Saucer, trace a horizontal circle over the stationary palm.)
1910The act of showing the round shape of a plate.
1911The index finger of the active hand traces or draws the approximate size and round shape of a plate held in a person’s stationary hand. A plate is a shallow vessel or dish, often circular in shape, on which food is served and eaten.
PLAY (FUN)

Synonyms: Daycare, Have Fun, Frolic, Fun, Kindergarten, Lively (playful), Playful, Playgroup, Romp
1912Flat-hands (each hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palms facing each other and to opposite sides and fingers pointing diagonally up, initially are held in front of the sides of the body near waist level. The hands then arc up toward each other, touch at the palms, and then arc up and away from each other. The action is repeated. A smile or happy facial expression is appropriate.
1913The act of children clapping their hands while playing.
1914The movements of the hands represent the lively, excited movements of children frolicking and having fun while playing. Play is often seen as the recreational activity of children. Play frequently is lively and amusing.
1915The hands, palms facing each other and to opposite sides, initially are clasped together with the fingers interlocked in front of the body at upper chest level. The hands then gently arc back and forth. A pleading facial expression is appropriate.
1916The act of pleading for something.
1917The clasped hands represent a commonly used gesture of a person pleading or begging for help or earnestly requesting something. The word please is often used to make a polite request or to implore or beseech someone for a favor.
1918The flat-hand (the hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palm facing in and fingers pointing diagonally up, is placed over the heart.
1919The act of placing one’s hand over one’s heart while stating the Pledge of Allegiance.
1920When reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag, a citizen often puts his or her hand on the chest area (near or over the heart). A pledge is a binding promise. A citizen of a country is a person who was born in that country or who immigrated there and became a naturalized citizen.
PLIERS

Synonyms: Adjust, Fix, Maintenance, Mechanic, Mend (fix), Repair, Tighten, Tool, Tune-up, Wrench
1921The index and middle fingers of the active V-hand (the index and middle fingers are spread apart and extended from an otherwise closed hand in the shape of a “V”), palm facing down and fingers pointing to the side, surround and grip the thumb of the stationary fist (the hand forms a fist), palm facing to the side and knuckles pointing forward with the thumb extended and pointing up. Both hands are in front of the body at chest level. The active hand then twists or rotates back and forth a few times.
1922The act of fixing or adjusting something with a pair of pliers.
1923The index and middle fingers of the active hand represent the pincers of a pair of pliers or the jaws of a wrench or other tool. A person then tries to fix something by tightening or loosening a bolt or nut (represented by the thumb of the stationary hand). To fix means to adjust, repair, or mend something so that it works once again. A mechanic is a person who works on, fixes, and repairs vehicles, engines, and other machinery.
PLUG

Synonyms: Battery Charger, Charger (battery), Electrical Socket, Outlet (electrical), Plug In, Prongs (plug), Socket (electrical)
1924The active V-hand (the index and middle fingers are spread apart and extended from an otherwise closed hand in the shape of a “V”), palm and fingers pointing to the side and knuckles pointing up, initially is held a few inches to the side of the stationary flat-hand (the hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palm facing to the opposite side and fingers pointing up. Both hands are in front of the body at chest level. The active hand then moves to the side until the tips of the index and middle fingers touch the stationary palm.
1925The act of inserting a plug into a socket.
1926The index and middle fingers of the active hand represent the two prongs of a plug that are inserted into an electrical socket or outlet (represented by the stationary hand). A plug is a device, usually with two metal prongs, at the end of a wire. A plug is inserted into an electrical socket to provide power to lamps, electronic devices and equipment, and various machines and appliances.
1927The fist (the hand forms a fist), palm facing to the side and knuckles pointing diagonally up and to the side, initially is held just in front of the body at upper chest level. The fist then moves in to hit the center of the upper chest. The action is repeated. A cough, frown, or unhappy facial expression is appropriate.
1928The act of hitting one’s chest to try to break up phlegm or congestion in the lungs.
1929People suffering from pneumonia, bronchitis, or a chest cold often cough, have a fever, get mucus (phlegm) in their lungs, and have difficulty breathing. Coughing and/or hitting the chest may help a person to break up and expel the mucus from his or her lungs.
1930The flat-hand (the hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palm facing in and fingers pointing down, initially touches the side of the body near the abdomen. The hand then moves down a few inches.
1931The act of sliding one’s hand into a pocket on the front of one’s pants.
1932The hand represents an object that is placed into a pocket on the front of a person’s pants. A pocket or pouch is a small compartment sewn into a larger garment for the storage of items. A pocket is often located on the front (near the side) of a pair of pants, jeans, or trousers.
1933The tip of the index finger of the active pointing-hand (the index finger is extended from an otherwise closed hand), palm and finger pointing down and knuckles pointing diagonally forward, traces an “X” on the upturned palm of the stationary flat-hand (the hand is flat with fingers together and extended), fingers pointing diagonally forward to the opposite side. Both hands are in front of the body above waist level. Shaking the head “No” and a frown or unhappy facial expression are appropriate.
1934The “X” resembles the crossbones of the poison symbol.
1935The index finger of the active hand draws the X-shaped crossbones of a poison symbol that warns of danger to life. This symbol is often printed on the label (represented by the stationary hand) of a package containing something toxic. Poisonous materials are substances that should not be eaten or swallowed because they cause serious harm to a person’s body. The X-shape may also warn of an allergy to a medication or of a potentially adverse drug interaction.
1936The edges of the index finger and thumb of the C-hand (the fingers are together and curved, with the thumb opposite the fingers), palm facing to the side and fingers pointing mostly up, rest on the left side of the upper chest.
1937The act of showing the location of a police officer’s badge.
1938The hand represents the general shape and size of a badge worn on a police or law enforcement officer’s chest. A police officer or cop is a representative of government empowered to enforce the law and maintain order. The hand may also represent an identification badge or security badge often worn by employees of hospitals, government agencies, or secured research facilities.
1939Fists (each hand forms a fist), palms facing up and knuckles pointing forward, initially are held about six to nine inches apart in front of the body at lower chest level. The index fingers and thumbs then alternately open quickly into G-hands (the index fingers and thumbs are extended from otherwise closed hands and are parallel), palms facing up and knuckles pointing forward with the index fingers and thumbs pointing diagonally up. The action may be repeated.
1940The act of popcorn kernels popping open.
1941The fists represent individual kernels of dried corn that then burst open (represented by the movement of the index fingers and thumbs) into popcorn when heated up. Popcorn, a popular snack, is a type of dried corn or maize whose kernels pop open into light, fluffy forms when heated.
POSTPONE

Synonyms: Defer, Delay (postpone), Get Out of the Way, Move Out of the Way, Procrastinate, Push Aside, Put Off (postpone), Shove Aside
1942Flat-hands (each hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palms facing to the same side and fingers pointing diagonally forward with the edges of the index fingers and thumbs touching, initially are located one above the other in front of the opposite side of the body at chest level. The hands then arc to the other side. (Alternatively, this sign can be made with the hands slightly apart.)
1943The act of postponing a task or pushing it to the side.
1944The hands push an imaginary object off a person’s imaginary desk or out of his or her way to represent postponing or delaying a task to a later point in time. To postpone means to defer, put off, or delay a meeting or task. This sign may also be used to represent moving something from the front of the line (represented by the initial position) to the back of the line (represented by the final position).
1945Flat-hands (each hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palms facing up and fingers pointing forward, initially are held next to each other in front of the body at lower chest level with the edges of the little fingers touching. The hands then move to opposite sides until they are at least six inches apart, rotate so that the palms face each other, and then move up about four to six inches. (To indicate the meanings Hand Basin, Sink (kitchen), or Washbasin, make this sign but move the hands at least twelve inches apart initially.)
1946The act of showing the general shape of a container or pot.
1947The hands initially represent the flat bottom of a pot, vat, or another container and then move up to represent the sides of the pot. Pots are relatively deep vessels used to cook food. Pots and containers often have separate, removable tops or lids.
1948Fists (each hand forms a fist), palms facing each other and to opposite sides and knuckles pointing forward, initially touch in front of the body at lower chest level. One fist then rotates forward as its knuckles and thumb graze the knuckles and thumb of the stationary fist. The action is repeated.
1949The act of peeling off the skin of a potato.
1950The active hand represents a peeler (a kitchen utensil) used to remove the skin or outer layer from a root vegetable such as a potato, sweet potato, or yam (represented by the stationary fist). A potato is an edible tuber that typically has a white or yellowish interior. Sweet potatoes and yams are orange in color.
POUR

Synonyms: Carafe, Ewer, Jug, Kettle, Pitcher (jug), Syrup, Teapot, Vinegar, Watering Can, Water the Plants
1951The fist (the hand forms a fist), palm facing in and knuckles pointing to the side with the thumb extended and pointing up, initially is held in front of one side of the body at chest level. The fist then arcs to the side and several inches down.
1952The act of pouring liquid from a pitcher.
1953The fist represents a pitcher, carafe, jug, teapot, or watering can and the extended thumb represents the spout from which a person pours out the liquid inside. The fist may also represent a bottle of vinegar, syrup, or other pourable liquid. To pour means to dispense liquid from a container in the form of a stream.
1954The fingers of the active flat-hand (the hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palm facing in and fingers pointing to the side, pat the armpit of the opposite arm, which is extended upward. The action may be repeated with the other hand patting the other armpit.
1955The act of applying powder under one’s arm.
1956The hand represents a pad that has been sprinkled with talcum powder and is then patted on a person’s armpit. Powder consists of finely ground particles that often help to absorb sweat and to prevent odors and chafing. This sign may also be used to indicate the area of a person’s body known as the armpit or underarm.
PRAISE

Synonyms: Acclamation (praise), Approbation (praise), Commend, Compliment, Extol, Laud, Pat on the Back
1957The fingers of the flat-hand (the hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palm facing down and fingers pointing back and diagonally down, pat the back of the shoulder. A smile or happy facial expression is appropriate.
1958The act of praising or patting someone on the back for a job well done.
1959Patting someone on the back is a commonly used gesture of praise, acclamation, or commendation. To praise means to compliment someone on his or her success, to give a favorable judgment, or to laud, extol, or speak well of someone or something.
1960Flat-hands (each hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palms facing each other and to opposite sides and fingers pointing up, are held together just in front of (or touching) the body at upper chest level. Bending the head toward the hands and a serious facial expression are appropriate.
1961The act of bowing one’s head in prayer.
1962When saying a prayer, a person often holds his or her hands together to instill a sense of calm, closes his or her eyes for concentration, and bows his or her head in respect to a higher power. To pray means to address or make a request to a deity.
1963The edges of the thumb and index finger of the flat-hand (the hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palm facing down and fingers pointing to the side, initially touch the upper abdomen. The hand then arcs forward, down, and back in until the palm faces up and the edge of the little finger touches the lower abdomen.
1964The hand shows a pregnant woman’s belly; a baby bump.
1965The hand shows or outlines the general size and shape of a woman’s belly during the last months of a pregnancy. Being pregnant means that a female is carrying a fetus or unborn child in her womb. Obstetrics is the branch of medicine that specializes in the female reproductive system, the care of pregnant women, and the process of childbirth or labor.
PRESSURE

Synonyms: Bear Down, Put Pressure On, Repress, Repression, Stress, Subdue, Suppress, Suppression, Tension
1966The active spread- or 5-hand (the hand is flat with fingers spread apart and extended), palm facing down and fingers pointing diagonally forward, initially rests on top of the stationary fist (the hand forms a fist), palm facing in and knuckles pointing to the side. Both hands are in front of the body at chest level. The upper, active hand then pushes down slightly on the lower, stationary hand.
1967The act of pressure bearing down in a stressful situation.
1968The active hand represents a substantial amount of pressure, tension, or stress pushing or bearing down on someone or something (represented by the stationary hand). Pressure often refers to the application of force on a person or an object. The stationary hand may also represent feelings that are repressed or suppressed (held back or kept deep inside a person’s body) by the other hand.
1969Flat-hands (each hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palms facing each other and to opposite sides and fingers pointing up, initially are located in front of and to the sides of the body just below eye level. The hands then arc forward and toward each other until the palms face in and the edges of the little fingers touch.
1970The act of blocking off an area to provide privacy.
1971The hands represent curtains that are initially open and provide a view of a patient in a hospital bed. The curtains are then closed or pulled together (represented by the final position) to provide the patient with some privacy and personal space. Privacy refers to the condition of being removed from public view. In many hospitals, curtains are used to separate patients from each other while they are being evaluated and treated.
PROBLEM

Synonyms: Abstruse, Brainteaser, Conundrum, Difficult, Dilemma, Enigma, Hard (difficult), Mystery, Paradox, Predicament, Puzzled, Quandary, Riddle, Scratch One’s Head
1972The tip of the index finger of the pointing-hand (the index finger is extended from an otherwise closed hand), palm facing to the side and finger pointing diagonally up, initially touches the temple (the side of the forehead). The finger then bends and straightens a few times. A puzzled or questioning facial expression is appropriate.
1973The act of thinking over a problem.
1974The index finger points to or indicates the location of a person’s temple (where thoughts occur). The finger then bends and straightens to represent multiple questions that a person has about a mystery or problem that he or she is trying to solve or figure out. A problem is a predicament, a riddle, a conundrum, a puzzling question, an unsettled issue, a dilemma, or a source of difficulty. A person may scratch his or her head when puzzled by a problem.
PROGRESS

Synonyms: Advance (move ahead), Make Progress, Move Ahead, Move Forward, Proceed
Antonyms: Move Back, Move Backward, Pull Back, Regress, Regression, Regressive, Retreat, Retrogress, Withdraw (retreat)
1975Bent-hands (the fingers are together and extended at right angles with respect to the palms), palms and fingers pointing at each other and to opposite sides and knuckles pointing forward, initially are held about six to nine inches apart just in front of the body at chest level. The hands then move forward about a foot. (To indicate the meanings Move Back, Move Backward, Pull Back, Regress, Regression, Regressive, Retreat, Retrogress, or Withdraw (retreat), reverse the action of the sign.)
1976The act of moving forward or making progress.
1977The hands initially represent a person’s current location (near the body) and then move forward to represent that person’s future location (in front of the body). Moving forward shows that a person has made headway or progress on a project. To make progress means to advance, proceed, or come closer to a goal.
1978Fists (each hand forms a fist), knuckles pointing diagonally forward and down, initially are located in front of one side of the body near waist level. One fist, palm facing diagonally out, is held about nine to twelve inches in front of the other fist, palm facing diagonally in. The arms and hands then gradually move diagonally back toward the body.
1979The act of pulling a heavy object with a rope.
1980The hands grasp an imaginary rope and then use it to pull, haul, or drag a heavy, imaginary object from one location (represented by the initial position) to another location (represented by the final position). To pull means to apply force to move something closer to or in the same direction as the person (or thing) exerting the force. Tug-of-war is a game in which people grasp opposite ends of a rope and then pull to see which side is stronger.
1981The tips of the index finger and thumb of the baby O-hand (the index finger and thumb are curved and touch at their tips from an otherwise closed hand), palm facing in and knuckles pointing diagonally up, initially are held near or touching a tooth. The mouth should be open. The hand then forcefully moves forward a short distance.
1982The act of pulling or removing a tooth.
1983The index finger and thumb represent the pincers or special pliers used by dentists to pull or extract a damaged or infected tooth from a patient’s mouth. A dentist is a medical professional that specializes in the care of a person’s teeth and gums.
1984The tips of the index and middle fingers of the H-hand (the index and middle fingers are together and extended from an otherwise closed hand), palm facing to the side and fingers pointing up and slightly back, rest on the side of the upper neck.
1985The act of feeling for a pulse on the carotid artery of one’s neck.
1986A person may check his or her pulse by using the tips of his or her index and middle fingers to feel the pulsating rhythm of blood flowing through the carotid artery (located in the neck). A pulse reflects the rhythmic beating of a person’s heart or his or her heart rate. A person’s pulse may often be felt by touching the skin above one of his or her arteries.
1987The tips of the index finger and thumb of the active G-hand (the index finger and thumb are extended from an otherwise closed hand and are parallel), palm and fingers pointing to the side and knuckles pointing forward, grasp or close around the tip of the index finger of the stationary spread- or 5-hand (the hand is flat with fingers spread apart and extended), palm facing in and fingers pointing to the opposite side. Both hands are in front of the body at chest level.
1988The act of measuring the level of oxygen in a patient’s blood.
1989The index finger and thumb of the active hand represent the probe sensor of a pulse oximeter device that is placed around the tip of a patient’s stationary finger to measure and/or monitor the level of oxygen in his or her blood. The oxygen saturation level or pulse oxygen level in a person’s blood is an important indicator of the functioning of his or her lungs.
1990The tip of the index finger of the pointing-hand (the index finger is extended from an otherwise closed hand), palm facing in and finger pointing diagonally up, initially touches the face below the inner corner of one eye. The finger then arcs toward the outer corner of the eye.
1991The act of pointing out the light purple color below one’s eyes.
1992The index finger points to or indicates the purplish discoloration below a person’s eyes that is often present when he or she is extremely tired, has had little sleep, or has been punched near the eye. The discoloration results from the leakage of blood from small capillaries under the skin. Purple is a color formed by mixing red and blue.
1993Flat-hands (each hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palms facing out and fingers pointing up, initially are held about a foot apart in front of the body at upper chest level. The hands then forcefully move straight forward until the arms are fully or almost fully extended.
1994The act of pushing something away with one’s hands and arms.
1995The hands represent the location of someone or something initially near to or uncomfortably close to a person’s body. The hands then push, thrust, or shove that person or object away to a new location (represented by the final position). To push means to apply force to move something away from or in the opposite direction as the person (or thing) exerting the force.
1996Fists (each hand forms a fist), palms facing in and knuckles pointing at each other and to opposite sides, initially are held a few inches apart in front of the body at lower chest level with the elbows extended out to the sides. One elbow then arcs or moves diagonally back in a forceful manner. The action is repeated with the other elbow. A scowl or angry facial expression is appropriate.
1997The act of a pushy person elbowing someone aside in order to get ahead.
1998A pushy person may rudely elbow, nudge, or poke someone in the side or in the ribs to get ahead. Pushy means aggressively impatient. A nudge is a gentle touch, often a physical poke or prod, to get another person to act or do something.
PUZZLE (JIGSAW)

Synonyms: Assemble (put together), Assembly (of pieces), Interlocking, Jigsaw Puzzle, Put Together (assemble), Puzzle Piece
1999The active tapered- or O-hand (the fingers are together and curved, with the finger tips touching the thumb tip), palm facing to the side and knuckles pointing forward, initially is held a few inches to the side of the stationary C-hand (the fingers are together and curved, with the thumb opposite the fingers), palm facing to the opposite side and fingers pointing mostly forward. Both hands are in front of the body at lower chest level. The active hand then moves until its fingers and thumbs are between the fingers and thumb of the stationary hand (the fingers and thumbs of both hands should touch).
2000The act of fitting two puzzle pieces together.
2001The active hand represents one piece of a jigsaw puzzle that fits together with another puzzle piece (represented by the stationary hand). A jigsaw puzzle is a game or task that a person must solve by putting together or assembling interlocking, irregular pieces of paperboard into a cohesive whole.
2002The tip of the thumb of the fist (the hand forms a fist), palm facing out and knuckles pointing up with the thumb extended and pointing to the side, initially touches the opening of the outer ear. The fist then rotates forward and back slightly.
2003The act of cleaning one’s outer ear with a Q-tip™.
2004The thumb represents a Q-tip™ or cotton swab being used to clean one of a person’s ears. A Q-tip™ is a small, cotton-tipped swab that often is used to clean wax and dead skin cells out of a person’s outer ear.
QUARANTINE

Synonyms: Exclude, Exile, Hermit, Isolated, Isolation, Ostracize, Recluse, Reclusive, Seclusion
2005The pointing-hand (the index finger is extended from an otherwise closed hand), palm facing out to the side and finger pointing up, is fully extended out to the side of the body at or above shoulder level. The flat-hand (the hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palm facing out to the same side and fingers pointing up, is located next to the head on the same side of the body.
2006The act of keeping a person in quarantine or isolation.
2007The index finger represents a person who is quarantined, isolated, separated, exiled, or kept far away from other people for a time period. The flat-hand represents a wall or barrier that helps to enforce that isolation, seclusion, or medical quarantine. This procedure of enforced separation is often done to prevent the spread of a contagious disease. To exclude means to keep out of a location or leave out of an activity.
2008The pointing-hand (the index finger is extended from an otherwise closed hand), palm facing down and finger pointing forward, initially is held in front of the body near shoulder level. The hand then draws a large vertical question mark, ending near waist level. A questioning or inquiring facial expression is appropriate.
2009The act of drawing a large question mark.
2010The index finger outlines or draws the approximate shape of a large question mark. A question mark (?) is a commonly used symbol that indicates uncertainty or that a person does not know something. A person inquires, asks, or poses a question when he or she wants to know the answer.
QUIET

Synonyms: Be Quiet, Be Silent, Hush, Shhh!, Shut Up, Silence, Silent, Stay Quiet, Stop Talking
2011The edge of the index finger of the pointing-hand (the index finger is extended from an otherwise closed hand), palm facing to the side and finger pointing up, is held against the lips.
2012The act of using one’s finger to hush or quiet someone; “Shhh!”
2013Putting the index finger on a person’s closed lips is a common gesture used to indicate that others in the area should stay quiet, should stop talking, and should not make any noise. Being quiet means to be silent or make little or no noise. A person may need to be quiet when around a sleeping infant, when in danger of being discovered, when another person is speaking, or while watching a movie.
QUOTE(S)

Synonyms: Citation, Cite, Idiom (turn of phrase), Idiomatic Expression, Quotation, Quotation Marks
2014The index and middle fingers of V-hands (the index and middle fingers are spread apart and extended from otherwise closed hands in the shape of a “V”), palms facing out and fingers pointing up, initially are held in front of and to the sides of the body near shoulder level. The fingers then bend down slightly. The action may be repeated.
2015The act of drawing quotation marks in the air.
2016The tips of the index and middle fingers draw the short pairs of lines known as quotes or quotation marks. Quotation marks ( “quotes”) are symbols that are placed in a text around a direct quote, reproduction, or citation of a person’s exact words. An idiom or idiomatic expression is a phrase or saying that cannot be fully understood by a literal translation of each of its words; instead, its meaning is determined by cultural usage and tradition.
2017The edges of the index fingers of H-hands (the index and middle fingers are together and extended from otherwise closed hands), palms facing out and fingers pointing up, initially rest on the sides of the head just above the ears. The hands then move up and down slightly at the same time. The action is repeated.
2018The act of a rabbit wiggling its long ears.
2019The index and middle fingers represent the long ears of a rabbit that are used to detect sounds of danger. A rabbit, bunny, or hare is a small, furry mammal with long ears and long hind legs that help the rabbit to hop or run away at high speed. Rabbits typically eat grass, lettuce, clover, and carrots. The Easter bunny is a magical rabbit that brings baskets full of candy to good boys and girls on Easter Sunday.
RAIN

Synonyms: Cyclone, Freezing Rain, Hail, Hurricane, Monsoon, Precipitation, Rainfall, Rainstorm, Sleet, Storm, Thunderstorm, Tropical Storm, Typhoon
2020Spread- or 5-hands (each hand is flat with fingers spread apart and extended), palms facing down and fingers pointing forward, initially are held in front of and toward one side of the body at shoulder level. The hands then move diagonally down to waist level toward the other side of the body. The action is repeated. (The heavier the rain or the bigger the storm, the more forceful the movement.)
2021The act of rain falling from the sky during a storm.
2022The fingers represent drops of rain initially high up in the sky (represented by the initial position) that then fall down to the ground (represented by the final position). Rain is liquid water that falls from the sky in the form of drops during a storm, hurricane, monsoon, or typhoon. Sleet is winter precipitation in the form of small balls or pellets of ice. Hail stones are frozen balls or chunks of ice that may form in the updraft of a severe thunderstorm.
2023The spread- or 5-hand (the hand is flat with fingers spread apart and extended), palm facing out and fingers pointing to the side with the thumb pointing down, initially is held in front of the opposite side of the body at chest level. The hand then arcs up, crosses in front of the lower face, and arcs down to near shoulder level, ending with the fingers pointing diagonally up and out to the other side.
2024The act of showing the curve of a rainbow in the sky.
2025Each finger represents a different color in a rainbow that arches across the sky (represented by the location). A rainbow may be seen after a storm when light refracts off of small droplets of water suspended in the lower atmosphere. Rainbows display the different colors of the visual spectrum (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet).
2026The claw-hand (the fingers are spread apart and bent), palm facing down and knuckles pointing forward, initially is held about a foot in front of the body at or above waist level. The hand then moves straight back toward the body. The action may be repeated.
2027The act of raking material together into a pile.
2028The fingers represent the prongs or teeth of a rake as a person uses the rake to collect yard debris. A rake is a yard or garden tool with a long handle and prongs at one end. Rakes are used to gather together leaves (and other relatively lightweight debris) that have fallen onto the ground.
2029The tips of the fingers and thumb of the tapered-or O-hand (the fingers are together and curved, with the finger tips touching the thumb tip), palm facing to the side and knuckles pointing up, initially touch the upper cheek near the ear. The hand then slides diagonally down the cheek a couple of inches. The action is repeated. (To indicate the meaning Shave One’s Legs, make this sign and then point to one upper leg. To indicate the meaning Shave One’s Underarms, make this sign and then point to one armpit.)
2030The act of shaving one’s face with a razor.
2031The tips of the fingers represent the sharp blade(s) of a razor as it is used to shave a man’s beard. A razor is a cutting implement with a sharp edge that is used to remove hair from parts of the body such as the face, chest, legs, and underarms.
2032Spread- or 5-hands (each hand is flat with fingers spread apart and extended), palms facing each other and to opposite sides and fingers pointing diagonally up, initially are held about nine inches apart just in front of the body at chest level. The hands then reach forward and diagonally up to above head level as they become claw-hands (the fingers are spread apart and bent), palms facing each other and to opposite sides and knuckles pointing diagonally up. The hands should get slightly closer together in final position.
2033The act of reaching out and grasping the sides of an object.
2034When a person reaches for an imaginary object, his or her arms and hands are stretched out or extended toward it. The hands often get closer together (represented by the final position) as the person grasps the sides of the object with his or her hands.
READ

Synonyms: Browse Through (a book), Peruse, Reading, Reading Material, Scan (read), Skim (read), Speed-Read, Text (reading material)
2035The active V-hand (the index and middle fingers are spread apart and extended from an otherwise closed hand in the shape of a “V”), palm facing down and fingers pointing diagonally forward and slightly down, initially is held just above the upturned palm of the stationary flat-hand (the hand is flat with fingers together and extended), fingers pointing diagonally forward to the opposite side. (The palm of the stationary flat-hand may be tilted slightly in toward the signer so that the thumb and index finger are higher than the ring and little fingers.) Both hands are in front of the body at chest level. The active hand then moves from side to side over the stationary palm and fingers. (Alternatively, the active hand may move down the stationary palm as if one is reading vertically arranged characters.)
2036The act of reading the lines of text in a book.
2037The tips of the index and middle fingers of the active hand represent a person’s eyes as they scan, browse, skim, or read the writing on a piece of paper or the words on a page in a book (represented by the stationary hand). To read means to take in the meaning of written text, characters, or symbols using the eyes.
2038The hands, palms facing each other and to opposite sides, are clasped together (palm to palm) in front of the body at lower chest level.
2039The act of calming one’s hands and being ready to learn.
2040A student who is ready to learn may stop moving, clasp his or her hands together, and look straight ahead at the teacher. To be ready means that a person is alert or prepared for mental or physical activity.
2041The edges of the index fingers of pointing-hands (the index fingers are extended from otherwise closed hands), palms facing down and fingers pointing forward, initially touch in front of the body at upper chest level. The hands then move to opposite sides until they are about a foot apart, then move down several inches, and finally move toward each other until the edges of the index fingers touch once again.
2042The act of drawing a rectangle.
2043The index fingers draw or outline the general oblong shape of a standard rectangle. A rectangle is a four-sided geometric figure with four right angles. Many rectangles have two long sides and two shorter sides. (Rectangles with sides of equal length are known as squares.) A quadrilateral or quadrangle is any geometric figure or polygon with four sides and four angles (the sides may be of unequal lengths and the angles may be of unequal sizes).
2044The middle finger is crossed over the index finger, palm facing to the side and fingers pointing up, as the edges of the tips of the fingers touch the lower lip.
2045The act of touching one’s reddish or pink lip.
2046The tips of the index and middle fingers touch or indicate the lower lip, which is often reddish in color. The index and middle fingers also form the letter “R” of the manual alphabet, which is the first letter of the word Red. Red is a color that closely resembles the color of blood or that of a ruby. Burgundy, crimson, maroon, and scarlet are various shades of red.
REDUCE

Synonyms: Abate (reduce), Alleviate (lessen), Decrease, Deflate, Deplete, Diminish, Lessen, Minimize, Reduction, Shrink, Subside (abate), Wane
Antonyms: Enhance, Enlarge, Increase, Maximize
2047Flat-hands (each hand is flat with fingers together and extended), palms facing down and fingers pointing to opposite sides, initially are held in front of the body at chest level with one hand about six inches above the other. The forearms should be raised and parallel to the ground. The active, upper hand then slowly moves down until it rests on top of the stationary, lower hand. (To indicate the meanings Enhance, Enlarge, Increase, or Maximize, reverse the action of the sign.)
2048The act of reducing the amount of something.
2049The initial distance between the hands represents a fixed amount or quantity of something. As the upper hand moves down, the amount decreases until it is reduced to nothing (represented by the final position). To reduce means to diminish, decrease, deplete, shrink, minimize, or make less in amount or size.
2050The active fist (the hand forms a fist), palm facing up and knuckles pointing to the side, initially is held a short distance below the elbow of the stationary arm, which has its forearm extended upward in front of the side of the body. The fist then swings up until the knuckles strike the bottom of the stationary elbow. The forearm then moves up slightly in response.
2051The act of testing one’s reflexes by tapping the nerves at one’s elbow.
2052The active fist represents a reflex hammer that a physician taps against the nerve at a patient’s joint (such as at the elbow or knee) to test his or her reflexes. The upward movement of the other arm indicates that a person’s reflexes are intact and that the nervous system is functioning properly. A reflex is an automatic or involuntary movement or reaction in response to a stimulus.