Signs for technical/specialized vocabulary

David Bar-Tzur

Created 27 August 1999, links updated monthly with the help of LinkAlarm.

asteroids Illuminated letter ARutherford model of an atom

Asteroids1; Atoms1

A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z

EXPLANATION OF THE GLOSSING SYSTEM
(to understand how I describe the signs in this dictionary).

For content knowledge of how to use the physics terms in context, see Guided tutorial in physics for interpreters.

For negotiating and developing temporary signs, see Preparation and sign negotiation

For vocabulary lists to determine helpful signs for a specific discipline, see Vocabulary lists by topic.


a- (prefix, negation)
NOT.

Aaron (אהרון)
(2h)[A], FTs touch area under the throat, separate while moving to the shoulders, then descend down the sides of the chest. (< the breastplate worn by the High Priest).

Aaronic (priesthood) (LDS [Mormon])
[A], PO away, makes arc over NDH [S], PO down, following direction of arm.

abandon
(2h)[A], POs ><, FOs away, move downward in the direction of the thing abandoned and hands open to (2h)[5]. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - abandon.

abandoned
(2h)[A], POs ><, FOs away, move towards chest while opening to (2h)[5] and strikes it with the FTs.

abbot
MONK SUPERIOR, that is, (2h)[bO] pull up "hood" twice + (2h)[A], POs ><, FOs away, DH begins below NDH and is moved to above NDH in an outward arc.

abcess
DH [5:], PO down, FO away, rises up from relaxed NDH. For a movie of this sign, see Dictionary of Sign (ASL) - abscess.

abdomen

abdominal cavity
(2h)[Bb], POs down, FOs ><. There are two movements that happen simultaneously: (1) DH starts at NDS of midchest and moves across torso to the D, and (2) NDH starts at DS waist and moves across waist to its DS + INSIDE.

abdominal cavity, 9 regions of the
(2h)[Bb], POs up, FOs ><. There are two movements that happen simultaneously: (1) NDH starts at NDS of the lower torso and moves across torso to the DS side, and (2) DH starts at NDS below the NDH and moves across body to the DS + (2h)[B^] run FTs down middle of chest.

abdominal region
(2h)[Bb], POs down, FOs ><. There are two movements that happen simultaneously: (1) DH starts at NDS of midchest and moves across torso to the D, and (2) NDH starts at DS waist and moves across waist to its DS.

abdominopelvic cavity
(2h)[Bb], POs up, FOs ><. There are two movements that happen simultaneously: (1) DH starts at NDS just under rib cage and moves across torso to the DS side, and (2) NDH starts at DS at the level of the groin and moves across body to the DS + INSIDE.

abduct
DH [5], PO > signer, FO > NDS, is held under elbow of [B] as if it were part of the sign TABLE, and closes to [S] while pulling something suddenly towards the DS. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - abduct.

abducted
DH [5], PO > signer, FO > NDS, is held against chest, then closes to an [S] and placed violently elsewhere.

Abelian
A-B-E-L-I-A-N.

abend
A,B-END, that is, [A], PO away, FO up, moves along edge of [B], PO > signer, FO > DS, and when DH arrives at the FT of NDH, it changes to a [B] and descends.

-ability (suffix)
(1) CAN. (2) CAN+.

-able (suffix)
(1) CAN. (2) CAN+.

abnormal
(1) NORMAL NOT. (2) SOMETHING WRONG.

abolitionism
SLAVE SYSTEM AGAINST, where the first sign is (2h)[S], PO down, crossed at wrists, swing from side to side.

abort

abortion
(1) [A], PO down is placed on [B], PO up and moves up, changes to 5 and throws removed material down. (2) (2h)[5], FOs >< moves towards each other from the sides of the stomach and interlace FTs + [A], PO down is placed on [B], PO up and moves up, changes to 5 and throws removed material down. (3) DH [B^] touches FT to palm of [B], PO down, FO > DS, then moves down while closing to [O^] with thp.

Abraham (אברהם)
(1) [A] strikes between the thumb and forefinger of [B], like BOTHER, but a single movement. (< Angel stopping Abraham from sacrificing his son Isaac.) (2) [A], PO > signer, circles extended forearm like a shield. (3) [A] taps palmside against ND elbow. (< God is called "Magen Avraham - the Shield of Abraham".)

abrasive
MATERIAL + ROUGH+. Where the first sign is (2h)[B] hands are held POs up and the thumbs run across the fingertips until the hand closes to an [A]. This is done once to allow both signs to blend while mouthing "abrasive".

abscissa (x-coordinate)
(1) A-B-S-C-I-S-S-A. (2) "X" C-O-O-R-D.

absent

absolute

absolute error
MAXIMUM MISTAKE.

absolute maximum
MAXIMUM SAY~PERIOD.In the last two joined signs, FTs of [bO] are applied to mouth and then the hand is pronated so that the sign PERIOD is produced.

absolute minimum
MINIMUM SAY~PERIOD.In the last two joined signs, FTs of [bO] are applied to mouth and then the hand is pronated so that the sign PERIOD is produced.

absolute value
(2h)[1], POs away, FOs up, move at wrist so that they draw vertical parallel lines. E.g., "The absolute value of x = 4." Translation: X, (2h)1outline-CL'draw straight vertical lines on both sides of X', EQUAL FOUR.

absolute visual magnitude
M V"subscripted".

absolute zero
(1) MINIMUM ZERO. (2) ZERO "K". Note that it is outdated to say "zero degrees Kelvin" so, don't sign ZERO DEGREE "K".

absolution, absolve (from sin)
(1)EXCUSE. (2) EXCUSE is signed the normal way for the person's hand dominance and then the sign is executed as if the person had the opposite hand dominance.

absorb, absorption
(2h)[5], POs down, are pulled in towards the body and together while closing to (2h)[O^]. The mouth forms "hup" as the breath is sucked in. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - absorb.

absorption spectrum
SPECTRUM ABSORB. That is, NDH [5], PO towards, FO up and DH [B], PO > NDS, FO up. DH pivots at wrist and moves back and forth across ND FTs as if they were gradations on the spectrum + (2h)[5], POs down, are pulled in towards the body and together while closing to (2h)[O^]. The mouth forms "hup" as the breath is sucked in.

abstain, abstinence

abstract, abstraction
(1) A-IMAGINE. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - abstract. (2) 5-COLLEGE. Note: Don't use VAGUE.

absurdism
[4], PO > NDS, FO up, touches temple and spirals away horizontally with th.

abundance

abuse

academic

accelerate (in a car)
Left hand [B], PO away, FO up, is held in place as if it were the clutch (this sign is the same for an automatic transmission) and the right hand [open 8], PO away, FO up, moves down once as if stepping on the gas.

acceleration
A-C-C-E-L. Note: Can't use FAST CHANGE because the speed could be constant, but if the direction changes it would still be an acceleration, and you can't use FAST INCREASE, because if the speed decreases it is still technically an acceleration (albeit negative).

accelerator
Left hand [B], PO away, FO up, is held in place as if it were the clutch (this sign is the same for an automatic transmission) and right hand [open 8], PO away, FO up, moves down twice as if stepping on the gas.

accent
Index finger strikes DS of throat. To see a series of stills of this sign, go to accent.

accept
(2h)[5], PO down, FO away, moves towards chest until it ends with (2h)[O^], flat against chest.

access
ENTER.

accessible, accessibility
(1) ENTER. (2) ENTER CAN.

accident

acclimate
SAME-OLD-SAME-OLD GET-USED-TO, that is, (2h)[Y], POs down, FOs away, move in antisymmetric circles parallel to the chest, with the hands descending when closer to the body and ascending when further away, while mouthing sta + (2h)[5:], POs down, FOs away, both hands descend while changing to (2h)[S].

accommodations

account

accounting

accounts payable
"A" "P".

accounts receivable
"A" "R".

accretion disk
(2h)[V], POs ><;, FOs away, pull in multiple times > body while bending fingers to (2h)[V:] + (2h)bC-CL'disk'.

accrual
A-C-C-R-U-A-L.

acculturate, acculturation
(1) CULTURE GET-USED-TO, where the last sign is (2h)[5:], POs down, FOs away, both hands descend while changing to (2h)[S]. (2) CONTACT, CHANGE.

accumulate, accumulation
(1) INCREASE is signed repeatedly while the NDH slowly moves upwards. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - accumulate. (2) COLLECT

accumulator
COLLECT (DEVICE).

accuracy
(2h)[bX], DHPO away, NDPO towards, the union of the index finger and thumb circles that of the other hand and then lands direct on it. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - accurate.

accurate
(1) (2h)[bX], DHPO away, NDPO towards, the union of the index finger and thumb circles that of the other hand and then lands direct on it. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - accurate. (2) Sometimes the word "accurate" is differentiated from the word "exact". Imagine a target where a gun aimed at the bull's-eye consistently hit the bottom of the target: the results would be "exact" in their consistency, but not "accurate". Although the sign we have used for "accurate" is often used for "exact" too, we could use the following sign for "accurate" to make a distinction: (2h)[1], DHPO down, NDPO towards, the FT of the index finger circles that of the other hand and then lands directly on it.

ache
(2h)[1], POs > signer, twist both hands in opposite directions a few times. This can be signed at the area of an ache. Facial expression should show degree of pain.

achondrite
STONE + 5^-CL'diagonal, wavy descent' WITHOUT GLASS.

achieve (reach) equilibrium
ARRIVE EQUILIBRIUM, where the last sign is (2h)[B^], POs ><, FOs up, move alt. up and down slightly.

Achashveros (אחשורוש)
A-KING.

achromatic lens
FOCUS DEPEND COLOR, NOT. Where FOCUS is (2h)[C] are held like a tube and both twist in order to focus.

acid

acidic
A-C-I-D-I-C.

acknowledge
A-C-K.

acolyte
ALTAR BOY, where the first sign is (2h)[A], POs away, FOs up, touch thumbs, separate, and move downwards.

acoustics
(1) A-C-O-U-S-T-I-C-S. (2) MAJOR SOUND.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
A-I-D-S.

acronym
NAME~SUMMARIZE. The sign NAME has a single movement.

act

act break
INTERMISSION.

action
(1) (2h)[C], POs down, FOs away, both hands move from side to side antisymmetrically. (2) (2h)[C], POs down, FOs away, both hands move from side to side symmetrically.

actinium
A-C. For more information on this and other elements, see The elements. And for fun, see Elements by Tom Lehrer. To see this song with captions, go to The Elements song by Tom Lehrer.

activate
INFLUENCE ACTIVE.

active

active galactic nuclei
A-G-N.

active galaxy
[5:], PO up, FO away, is held above [S], PO down, FO away. DH descend and strikes NDH while closing to [S] + (2h)[C], POs ><, FOs away, hands rush together (GRAVITY GROUP-TOGETHER = GALAXY) ACTIVE.

active metal
A-C-T-I-V-E METAL.

activity
(1) (2h)[C], POs down, FOs away, both hands move from side to side antisymmetrically. (2) (2h)[C], POs down, FOs away, both hands move from side to side symmetrically.

Acts of the Apostles (Πράξεις Ἀποστόλων)
A-C-T-S.

actual (not virtual)
REAL.

acupuncture
[bO] makes three small "punctures" while traveling down the top of ND arm from wrist to knuckles.

acute

Adalah (العدالة)
ALLAH (see below) JUST(ICE).

Adam [haRishon] (אדם הראשון, the First Man)
[A] touches DS temple with thumb tip 2x.

Adam and Eve (אדם וחווה)
[A] touches DS temple with thumb tip then [E] touches DS of chin with thumbside.

Adam haRishon (אדם הראשון, the First Man)
[A] touches DS temple with thumb tip 2x.

adapt, adaptation (biology)
CHANGE, FIT (ENVIRONMENT).

add

addendum
DH grasps bottom fingers of [B], PO > DS, FO away, from below.

addict, addicted, addiction
(1) [X] hooks DS corner of mouth and pulls > DS. (2) [V:], PO > signer slaps against and is grasped by the NDH.

addition (as a mathematical operation)
(1) (2h)[1] cross at midpoints to form an addition sign. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - addition. (2) ADD-HORIZONTALLY++.

address

addressable
(2h)[A] rise while contacting chest with palms + CAN+.

addressing (computers)
(2h)[A] rise several times while contacting chest with palms.

adenine
"A".

adenosine triphosphate
A-T-P.

Adhan (آذان)
SUMMON + (2h)[loose 5], palms face each other, FOs up, hands descend and are clasped at the waist. For a film of the Saudi sign (meaning PRAY), click on Pray / prayer.

adhesion
(2h)[open 8], POs up, FOs away, both hands descend suddenly while closing to (2h)[8].

adhesive
[G], PO > NDS, FO up, opens and closes as it moves across the mouth. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - adhesive.

adjacent
NEAR with cs.

adjacent side (of a triangle)
"A".

adjective
A-D-J.

adjust, adjusted
CHANGE.

adjustable
CHANGE++ CAN.

ad lib
A-D L-I-B.

administration
(1) A-D-M-I-N. (2) CONTROL + [A dot], PO > NDS, FO away, moves up in an outward arc.

admittance
"Y".

adolescence
YOUNG (1x) LIFE.

adolescent
YOUNG (1x) PERSON.

Adonai (אדוני)
(1) L-KING. (2) A-KING. (3) [L] touches ND clavicle then travels upwards. (4) [A] touches ND clavicle then travels upwards.

Adon Olam (אדון עולם)
LORD FOREVER.

adopt
(1) (2h)[5:] close to (2h)[S] and pull up abruptly. (2) ACCEPT.

adoration, adore
See WORSHIP.

adultery
(1) [1^], FO > NDS, peeks around the corner of [B], PO > DS. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - adultery. (2) [B^], FO > NDS, peeks around the corner of [B], PO > DS.

adulthood
ADULT LIFE.

advanced
(2h)[B^], POs ><, FOs up, move upwards arcing towards the signer. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - advanced.

advanced CMOS logic
A-C-L.

advanced Schottky
A-S.

advantage

Advent

adventitious
(HAPPEN) AFTER BIRTH.

adverb
A-D-V.

advertise
(2h)[S], POs ><, FOs up, DH is held further away but touching NDH and DH moves away while opening to a [5:] 2x.

advocacy, advocate
(1) [S] punches at palm of [B], PO roughly towards. (2) SUPPORT. (3) (2h)[A] move like SUPPORT, then move forward similar to HELP.

aerobics
A-DANCE.

affect

afferent
DH flicks fingertip up the arm, as if a signal were traveling along a nerve up the arm.

affine
A-F-F-I-N-E.

affix, affixative
NDH [bC], PO away, FO > NDS, DH [bC], PO away, touches index finger to index finger, then thumb to thumb, to show prefix or suffix.

Afghanistan
(1) [V] knocks the gathered fingers against the DS of the head. (2) (2h)[5:], POs > signer, FOs up, DH taps on NDH palm. (3) DH [A], PO out, circles out around DS ear 2x then becomes [5], PO > head.

afikomon (אפיקומן)
BANQUET FINISH, LAST MATZAH.

a-frame (automotive)
(2h)B, POs ><, FOs up, move upwards diagonally and meet like PEAK.

Africa
There is a long standing debate on a sign for this. Since Africa comprises many countries, there is no indigenous sign. For more discussion of this issue, see Introduction to use of indigenous signs. (1) Thumb of [A] circles face, but should not land on the nose. (2) [5^], PO away, outlines the shape of the continent by moving towards the right and then down while closing to [O^]. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - Africa.

African-American
AFRICA AMERICA AGENT.

African Methodist Episcopal
A-M-E.

after market (automotive part not made by the car's manufacturer)
NOT MANUFACTURE AGENT POSS. PART.

agar
A-G-A-R.

agency

agent (grammar)
(2h)[C], POs down, FOs away, both hands move from side to side antisymmetrically + AGENT, where the second sign is (2h)[B], POs ><, FOs away, descend.

agentless passive
WHO + (2h)[C], POs down, FOs away, both hands move from side to side antisymmetrically + [1], PO > NDS, FO up, strikes mouth and is held there for a moment.

Ages of ages (Christian Orthodox)
ALWAYS + DH produces STILL in the usual way, and the NDH produces STILL so that it moves back over the shoulder.

agglutination
(2h)[C], POs ><, FOs away, hands rush together, stopping short + CONNECT*.

aggregate
MIX + (2h)[5], POs down, FOs away, are held side by side and the hands descend, supinate, and end with POs up by traveling in a circle.

aggressive
A-EXCITED. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - aggressive. You will notice in the movie that the POs are towards, but I fell that the PO should be >< to convey the idea of "too much SELF" and make a nice contrast with ASSERTIVE.

agitation (photography)

agnostic
(1)PERSON (PEOPLE) UNSURE GOD HAVE. UNSURE = (2h)[S], POs down, FOs away from signer, alt. ascend and descend. (2) UNSURE AGENT.

agnosticism
BELIEVE GOD HAVE, UNSURE. UNSURE = (2h)[S], POs down, FOs away from signer, alt. ascend and descend.

agreement (with other word class)
MATCH.

agriculture
(1) FARM. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - agriculture. (2) SCIENCE MAJOR FARM. Where MAJOR is (2h)[B], POs ><, FOs away, DH is placed on top of NDH and moves away while still in contact with it.

ahead (sports)
PASS is signed but with DH whizzing by NDH and streaking upwards diagonally.

Ahl al-Bayt (محمد اسر)
MUHAMMAD (see below) FAMILY.

Aibeshter (איבעשטער)
FT of [B] point to Heaven.

aide
(2h)[A], POs ><, FOs away, DH strikes NDH from below. For a series of stills of this sign, to to aide.

AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome)
If the client knows the meaning of the term: (1) A-I-D-S. If not, (2) SICK INFLUENCE-self. BODY PROTECT, BREAK-DOWN.

air bag
A-I-R B-A-G.

air conditioning
#A-C, that is the [A] hand, PO away, FO up, rapidly opens to [C] twice.

air resistance
A-I-R RESIST, where RESIST is move DH [S] as if blocking something.

air traffic control
A-T-C.

alaihi asallam (After the mention of prophets: Moses, Jesus, Solomon, etc)
"PRAY" HE HAVE PEACE. Where the first sign is hands clasped together as in prayer, and the hands are shaken slightly back and forth.

a la mode
ICE-CREAM + [5:], PO up, FO away, pronates to plop ice cream on pie.

A-Language
"A" LANGUAGE.

album

alcohol
(2h)[horns], POs ><, FO away, DH taps NDH from above. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - whisky.

alcoholic
(1) A-A. This is the older form, still used by some older people to mean that a person is an alcoholic, and not necessarily that they go to A.A. meetings. Better, (2) ALCOHOL SICK AGENT. (3) [H: dot] brings imaginary cup to mouth and tilts + (2h)[S], POs > signer, FOs up, moves down diagonally > NDS with quick movement. (4) ALCOHOL ADDICT. (5) Thumbside of [A] touches DS of upper chest and then NDS. (< "AA - Alcoholics Anonymous.)

Alcoholics Anonymous
A-A.

al dente
REQUIRE CHEW A-LITTLE-BIT, NOT SOFT'-ve face'.

Al-fatihah (سورة الفاتحة) - First chapter of the Quran and opening portion of the daily prayers
Kiss dorsum (back of hand), and then palm of [B] + [L], PO away, points upwards. For a film of this Saudi sign, click on Al-fatihah. (< THANKS-BE-TO ALLAH)

algebra
A-MATH, but with POs away. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - algebra.

Algeria (الجزائر)
(2h)[Y], POs > signer, FOs ><, hands twist at wrists so that FTs move parallel to the chest. For a film of this sign, click on Algeria (الجزائر).

algorithm
A,M-LAW. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - algorithm.

align

alignment (automotive)
(2h)[B], POs ><, FOs away but with hands tilted > DS, DH moves > DS in small upward arcs.

aliyah (עליה)

Allah (الله تعالي)
(1) GOD but mouth "Allah". (2) [1], PO away, FO up, ascends. For a film of this Saudi sign, see God Almighty.

Allah hu akbar (الله اكبر)
Index heaven + HIMSELF ADVANCED.

allege, alleged
POLICE SUSPECT INDEX-person.

allegiance
SUPPORT++.

allele
A-L-L-E-L-E.

alleluia
(1)CLAP-HANDS~CELEBRATE. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - Hallelujah. (2) CLAP-HANDS~CELEBRATE + open hands into (2h)[5] while lifting. (3) CELEBRATE + open hands into (2h)[5] while lifting. (4) PRAISE GOD.

allergy
(1) The sign OPPOSITE is made but with the FT of DH starting from touching the nose. (2) [X], PO > NDS, FO up, taps on front of neck 2x.

alley-oop pass
(2h)[5:], POs down, FO away. Hands twist upward so that POs face away + [B], PO away, FO up, moves slowly upwards then away in a diagonal.

alliance
CONNECT~COOPERATE.

alligator
(2h)[5:] move like jaws. For a movie of this sign, see Dictionary of Sign (ASL) - alligator.

allocate, allocated, allocation
(1) PART"each". (2) GIFT-TO"each", that is, (2h)[X], POs ><, FOs away, nod at wrists, move slightly > DS, then nod again, and once more. (3) (2h)alt.GIFT-TO"each", that is, (2h)[X], POs ><, FOs away, alt. nod at wrists while moving > DS.

all of the left cosets (Math)
[bX] draws a script L in the air.

all of the right cosets (Math)
[bX] draws a script R in the air.

allow
(2h)[B], POs ><, FOs away, move forward while curving FOs up.

alloy
METAL MIX.

ally, allies
A-L-L-Y.

almanac
BOOK YEAR HAPPEN++. For a movie of this sign, see Dictionary of Sign (ASL) - almanac.

almighty
(1) ALL STRONG. (2) ALL POWER.

Al natilat yadayim (על נטילת ידיים)
WASH-HANDS BEFORE EAT BREAD, BLESS.

alone
(1) [1], PO away, FO up, twists and supinates, then strikes chest with little finger side. (2) [1], PO > signer, FO up, swings slightly with downward arc from side to side.

alpha (lowercase, alpha)
Draw the shape of the letter in the air with the index finger.

alpha particle
Draw the shape of the letter (alpha) in the air with the index finger + hand is held PO up in somewhat of a [W] while the thumb is flicked against the little finger.

alphabet
A-B-C.

alphabetic (computers)
(1) A-L-P-H-A. (2) A-B-C.

alphabetically
FOLLOW A-B-C ORDER.

alphameric
A-N.

alphanumeric
A-N.

Al Qaeda (القاعده)
[A], PO away, FO > NDS, circles head + [Q], PO down, FO > NDS, descends down beard.

altar
(1) (2h)[A], POs away, FOs up, touch thumbs, separate, and move downwards. (2) (2h)[S], POs down, FOs ><, strike the whole length of the forearms together like TABLE.

altar (area, Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox)
ALTAR AREA, where the first sign is (2h)[A], POs away, FOs up, touch thumbs, separate, and move downwards.

altar call
INVITE BECOME SAVE.

alternate

alternate hypothesis (HA)
H A"subscripted".

alternating current
A-C.

alternating current or direct current
A-C-D-C.

alternating group
TAKE-TURNS GROUP/CLASS.

alternative insemination
PREGNANT THROUGH + NDH holds wrist of DH [S] which explodes to a [5], NOT. HOW? Then describe which artificial method is used.

alternator
A-L-T.

aluminum
A-L. For more information on this and other elements, see The elements. And for fun, see Elements by Tom Lehrer. To see this song with captions, go to The Elements song by Tom Lehrer.

alumni, alumnus, alumna, alumnae
A-WORLD.

Alzheimer's
(1) Thumb of [A] is held against forehead and moves across it > DS. (2) Thumb of [A] is held against temple and descends in a zig-zag pattern.

amass
COLLECTwg.

ambassador
(1) A-KING. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - ambassador. (2) (2h)[C], POs ><, FOs up, DH is held at forehead and NDH at the back of the head. Both hands move away from the head while closing to (2h)[S]. This is actually borrowed from International Gesture that is becoming more common in ASL.

ambient temperature
TEMPERATURE + DH [5], PO down, circles around NDH [1], FO up.

ambulance
(2h) or (1h)[5^], POs up, rotate at wrist as if imitating the flashing light of an ambulance.

Amen! (אמן)
(1)(More High Church) (2h)[B], FOs up, are pressed together and move downward slightly 2x. (2) (More High Church) (2h)[B], FOs up, are pressed together and brought down in a long, deliberate motion. For an animated gif of this sign, see Animated dictionary of religious signs - Deaf Missions: Amen. (3) (More evangelical) [A], PO > NDS circles and stamps palm of NDH [B], PO up. (4) (More High Church) WORSHIP. (5) (Jehovah's Witness) AGREE. (6) #YES, that is, [Y], PO away, FO up, nods forward and returns to original position, closing to an [S].

amend
MAKE AMENDMENT.

amendment
DH grasps bottom fingers of [B], PO > DS, FO away, from below.

American National Standards Institute
A-N-S-I.

American Sign Language
(1) AMERICA SIGN LANGUAGE. (2) A-S-L. (3) (2h)alt. [S] thrown out and opens to [5].

American Standards Association
A-S-A.

American wire gauge
A-W-G.

americium
A-M. For more information on this and other elements, see The elements. And for fun, see Elements by Tom Lehrer. To see this song with captions, go to The Elements song by Tom Lehrer.

Amidah (עמידה)
SILENT PRAY.

Amish
(2h)[5:] move away from jaws like beard.

ammeter
"A" + METER.

Ammon (LDS [Mormon])
DH [A dot] moves thumb across the NDH biceps as if cutting off the forearm, and then the NDH (A dot] does the same to the DH biceps. (< the Prophet in defending the flocks cut off the arms of the enemy.)

ammunition
BULLET (DH [G] strokes FTs against NDH [1], PO > DS, FO away) + (2h)[4], PO up, FO away, start next to one another and then separate to show a line of bullets. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - ammunition.

amniocentesis
PREGNANT + [3:] is held against stomach as if holding a hypodermic needle, then fingers are closed while hand is drawn away (pushing the plunger) + ANALYZE.

amortize
COST, TAKE-AWAY"over time".

Amos [עמוס]
A-M-O-S.

ampere
"A".

ampere hour
A-H.

amphetamine
PILL (which see) + (2h)[S] are brought up to eyes and touch cheeks while opening to (2h)[C].

amplification
(2h)[5], POs ><, FOs away, separate in an upward arc. To show something like "the amplification is 100 power" - AMPLIFICATION HOW-MUCH? 500 "X".

amplifier

amplify
(1) (2h)[5], PO ><, FO away, separate suddenly in upward arc. (2) (2h)[L:], PO ><, FO away, separate suddenly in upward arc. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - enlarge.

amplitude
(1) (2h)[Y], DPO away, FO > NDS, touches thumb to thumb of NDPO towards, FO > DS, then DH moves upwards. (2) "A".

amplitude modulation
A-M.

amplitude modulation or frequency modulation
A-M-F-M.

amplitude-shift keying
A-S-K.

amputate
[B] acts as a knife and slashes at the extremity that was or will be amputated. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - amputate.

Amr-Bil-Ma'ruf (Shia)
GOOD HAPPEN, ENCOURAGE.

anal intercourse

analog
A-DO, that is, (2h)[A], POs down, FOs away, both move > NDS, then DS.

analog multimeter
A-M-M.

analog-to-digital
[A] touches thumb of [L], PO > signer, FO > DS, then DH changes to [D] and touches index finger of NDH.

analog-to-digital converter
A-D-C.

analogy
(2h)[1], FOs away, move in parallel. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - parallel.

analysis
(2h)[V], POs down, FOs ><, hands approach each, then separate while changing to (2h)[V:] repeatedly while circling towards and away from each other in a small movement.

analyze
(2h)[V], POs down, FOs ><, hands approach each, then separate while changing to (2h)[V:] repeatedly while circling towards and away from each other in a large movement.

anamnesis
REMEMBER.

Ananai haKavod (ענני הכבוד)
(2h)5:-CL'fluffy cloud' SHOW HIS GLORY.

anarchy
GOVERNMENT HAVE-NONE, where the last sign is (2h)[B], POs > signer, are crossed low and brought up until they uncross and as they pass the mouth, the palms are blown on.

anatman
CENTER-OF-BEING HAVE-NONE. Instead of signing CENTER so that it lands on the palm of the NDH, it lands in the center of the chest + (2h)[B], POs > signer are crossed slightly above the wrists, then uncross while passing the mouth which blows on it.

anatomical position
A-BODY PLACE + pose body in "anatomical position" with an abrupt movement of the hands.

anatomy
(1) BODY STUDY. For a movie of this sign, see Dictionary of Sign (ASL) - anatomy. (2) A-BODY. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - anatomy.

ancestor
(2h)[B^], PO behind signer, alt. roll backwards around each other. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - ancestor.

anchor (v)
(2h)[F], interlink and DH pulls both down with force as if heavy.

Andrew file system
A-F-S.

androgenous
(1) A-N-D-R-O. (2) VAGUE, that is, (2h)[5], DH rubs palm CW against NDH, PO > signer, FO up.

anesthesia
[5:] covers face like mask and taps a few times + BODY FREEZE.

angel
(2h)[B^] touch shoulders and twist to the position for wings and flutter.

Angel Dust (PCP)
(1) (2h)[B^] touch shoulders and twist to the position for wings and flutter + D-U-S-T. (2) P-C-P. (3) [bO] holds joint to mouth and moves rapidly back and forth twice while inhaling. + A-D. This is a Western sign. (4) A-D-M. This and the next sign refer to a mixture of Angel Dust and marijuana. (5) [bO] holds joint to mouth and moves rapidly back and forth twice while inhaling + A-D-M. (6) Signs (3) or (5) may have their first part (MARIJUANA) replaced by SNORT-(COCAINE), which see.

angelic host
ANGEL GROUP@lf, GROUP@rt.

angle
NDH [L] but with some approximation of the acuteness or obtuseness of the angle, and the DH traces the inside angle. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - angle.

angle of inclination
DH [1] traces the inside angle of NDH [L] modified to show the angle + 1-CL'shows various angles of inclination'.

Anglican
CHURCH(1x) ENGLAND.

Anglicized ASL
A-N-G-L-I-C-I-Z-E-D A-S-L.

angstrom
Hold NDH [O] above "A" to represent the abbreviation (Å).

angular
NDH [L] but with some approximation of the acuteness or obtuseness of the angle, and the DH traces the inside angle. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - angle.

angular acceleration
Draw a lowercase alpha (lowercase alpha) in the air.

angular frequency
(1)ANGLE "F". For a QuickTime movie of ANGLE, see ASL browser - angle. (2) [W:], PO away from signer, FO up, which represents a lowercase omega ().

angular momentum
"L".

angular velocity
(1) Draw a lower case omega with the index finger (lowercase omega). (2) [W:], PO away from signer, FO up.

angular velocity of precession
A-V-P.

anilingus
(1) Nail side of [H] strokes upward like tongue against hole of [F]. (2) (2h)[B], POs away, are held together so that thumbs and index fingers touch or nearly so, and are brought in a circular motion towards and down the face while the tongue moves.

animation
(2h)[5]s are held together with palms touching and twist repeatedly at the wrists like the sign BECOME.

anion
(1) ATOM NEGATIVE. (2)"X" NEGATIVE'superscripted'. Comment: For a specific anion, use the same strategy as above, for example "Fluorine anion" would become "F" NEGATIVE'superscripted', and so on with all the scientific abbreviations for the elements.

annex
CONNECT. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - annex.

annihilationism
BAD* DIE, GONE*.

annual

annuity
ANNUAL PAY+.

annulment
MARRY, CANCEL, that is, (2h)[C], POs ><, DH circles NDH from above and then descends and clasps it + [1] draws an "X" on the palm of NDH [B].

Annunciation
ANNOUNCE MARY.

anode
[1], PO down, FO > NDS, strikes midjoint of [1], PO > DS, FO up, from behind with its midjoint once.

anoint

[the] anointed one
ANOINT BECOME KING.

anointing the sick
Thumb of [A dot] makes cross on forehead + SICK PEOPLE.

anonymous

anorexia
THIN SICK. For a movie of this sign, see Dictionary of Sign (ASL) - anorexia.

answer
(2h)[1], POs away, FOs up, are held to side of mouth and nod forward.

ant
(1) BUG. (2) [A] rides on the back of [5:], POs down, fingersw wg as it walks.

antagonist
(1) CHARACTER AGAINST. (2) CHARACTER OPPOSITE.

antebrachium region
Thumbside (ulnar) edge of [B], PO > NDS, FO away, runs along the arm from elbow to FT.

antecubital region
Palm of hand rubs elbow + [5], PO > elbow, FO up, moves in a small circle at the elbow.

antelope
(2h)[1], POs down, FOs > back, hands are held at temples, point over shoulders and move in that direction. For a movie of this sign, see Dictionary of Sign (ASL) - antelope.

anterior (anatomy)
(2h)[A], POs ><, FOs away, DH starts behind NDH and then passes around it (meaning "in front of").

anterior to posterior (Chiropractic and Therapy)
"A" TO "P".

anthem
(CHURCH) MUSIC.

anthropology
(1) Sign looks like DON'T-KNOW, mouth "anthropology." I won't bore you with the story behind it. (2) SCIENCE STUDY PEOPLE. For a movie of this sign, see Dictionary of Sign (ASL) - anthropolgy.

anti-

antibaryon
(1) A-N-T-I-B-A-R-Y-O-N. (2) With the DH spell out Q-Q-Q while hold the index finger over the DH like a bar (_), showing its quark/antiquark status.

antibiotic
MEDICINE, INFECTION SOLVE.

antibody
(1) PROTEIN PREVENT INFECTION. (2) A-B.

Antichrist
6-6-6, PO away, is struck against forehead while moving > DS, (< the declaration in the Book of Revelations that the name of the beast is 666.)

antidepressant
TAKE-PILL AGAINST DEPRESSION.

antigen
A-G.

antimatter
OPPOSITE* MATTER, where the last sign is (2h)[bO], POs up, FOs away, are held in together in place while thumbs rub against FTs.

Antinomianism
SAVE SOUL HOW? FAITH ONLY.

anus
NDH [F], PO away, FO up, is held up and DH [1] points to the circular opening in the NDH and then travels in an outward arc to point to DS hip but in the general direction of the anus.

antilogarithm
A-N-T-I-L-O-G.

antimony
S-B. For more information on this and other elements, see The elements. And for fun, see Elements by Tom Lehrer. To see this song with captions, go to The Elements song by Tom Lehrer.

antinode
A-N-T-I-N-O-D-E.

antiparticle
With the DH sign PARTICLE, and with the NDH, hold the index finger over PARTICLE like a bar (_).

antler
(2h)[1] touch temples and move up and out, changing to (2h)[5]. For a movie of this sign, see Dictionary of Sign (ASL) - antler.

anus
FT of [1], circles > NDS around the thumbside of [S], PO up, FO away.

anxiety
(2h)[open 8], touch FTs alternately to respective sides of the chest. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - anxious.

apathy
(2h)[5] are moved downward and held there. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - apathy.

ape
The chest is thumped alt. by (2h)[A] that mimics that of a gorilla. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - ape.

aperture
(2h)[C] form a tube at the eyes, close to (2h)[S], then open again to (2h)[C] as at the start.

apikoros (אפיקורוס)
APIKORSUS (see below) + AGENT.

apikorsut (אפיקורוסות)
TORAH, + NDH [1] PO > DS, FO up, DH [S], PO > signer, FO > NDS, DH is held with back of hand against NDH and flicks open to a [1], while moving towards NDS and mouthing "po".

Apocalypse of St. John [Αποκαλυψις Ιωαννου]
R-E-V.

apologetics
PROVE CHRIST.

apostasy
BELIEVE RIGHT, + NDH [1] PO > DS, FO up, DH [S], PO > signer, FO > NDS, DH is held with back of hand against NDH and flicks open to a [1], while moving towards NDS and mouthing "po". This would be a general expression, for specific groups, one could replace BELIEVE RIGHT with KORAN, TORAH, BIBLE, and so on.

apostate
APOSTASY (see above) AGENT.

apostle

apparatus
E-THINGS.

apparent power (Pap)
P A-P"subscripted".

appeal
ASSIGN COURT + [A dot], PO > NDS, FO away, moves up in an outward arc.

appease
(2h)[5], POs > the person being appeased, pat at the place + SATISFIED HIM/HER.

appeased
SATISFY, that is, (2h)[B], POs down, FOs ><, slam into body with DH above NDH. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - appease.

appliance (HVAC)
English likes generic labels, ASL prefers specificity. If the appliance is known (such as a furnace), be specific. If not, fingerspell A-P-P-L-I-A-N-C-E.

application
(1) [V] comes down on [1], PO > DS, FO up, like ringer in horseshoes. (2) FT of [F] pull at shirt/blouse several times.

applications engineer
A-E.

application-specific integrated circuit
A-S-I-C.

applied arts
[V] comes down on [1], PO > DS, FO up, like ringer in horseshoes + [I], PO > NDS, moves down close to palm of [B] in a wavey pattern.

apply (technique, theory or ~ for a job)
(1) [V] comes down on [1], PO > DS, FO up, like ringer in horseshoes. (2) FT of [F] pull at shirt/blouse several times.

appoint
(1) APPLY, that is, DH [V] is placed over NDH [1], PO away, so that the NDH index finger is fit between the two extended fingers of the DH. (2) [5], PO away, FO up, closes to [F] while moving > NDS and striking palm of [B], PO away, FO up, with its thumbside.

appreciate
(1) ENJOY. (2) UNDERSTAND.

approach

appropriate
(2h)[1], POs ><, FOs away, DH strikes top of NDH from above 2x.

approximate

approximately (adj, adv)
THEREABOUTS.

approximately equal
EQUAL THEREABOUTS.

approximation
VALUE THEREABOUTS, that is, (2h)[flat F], POs><, FOs away, tap thumbs together twice, then [5], PO away, moves in a circle.

April Fool's Day
Thumb and index finger grasp nose and pull down.

aqueous
A-Q.

Aramaic (ארמי)
A-R-A-M-A-I-C.

arbitrary point
___________rhq
POINT WHERE. UP-TO-YOU"all".

arbitrary value
____________rhq
VALUE "WHAT"? UP-TO-YOU"all".

arbitration
[1], PO > signer, FO > NDS, is laid in the palm of [B], PO up, FO away, and the two move together forwards and backwards.

arccosine (inverse hyperbolic cosine, pronounced "ark cosh")
A-R-C-C-O-S-H.

arccotangent (inverse cotangent, pronounced "ark co tan")
A-R-C-C-O-T.

arch
(1) (2h)[B^], POs down, FOs away, with thumbs tucked against index fingers, touch above head and separate descending in an arch to their respective sides. (2) (2h)[C], both hands start at NDS, outlining an archway. NDH stays in place and DH arches up and over, descending on the DS.

archbishop
(2h)[B^], POs ><, move upwards twice in outward arc + kiss [S] at ring finger. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - archbishop.

archdiocese
(1) ADVANCED D-PLACE. ADVANCED = (2h)[B^], POs ><, FOs up, arc > signer a bit then move up in a definite movement. (2) ADVANCED BISHOP AREA.

archery
(1) (2h)[bX] mime shooting arrow from bow. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - archery. (2) NDH [S] holds the bow, DH [3] draws back the line, closes to an [S], then moves forward to a [2].

(archery) range
R-A-N-G-E.

architecture
A-HOUSE. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - architecture.

arc hyberbolic tangent
A-R-C-T-A-N-H.

arc length
A-R-C, HOW-MUCH LONG?

arcsine
A-R-C-S-I-N.

arcsinh (inverse hyberbolic sine, pronounced "ark cinch")
A-R-C-S-I-N-H.

arctan, arctangent (inverse tangent, pronounced "ark tan")
A-R-C-T-A-N.

arctic
COLD*. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - arctic.

arc welding
A-R-C WELDING, where the second sign is the tip of the DH (dominant hand) [L], PO > (palm orientation towards) signer is run up and down the index finger of the NDH (non-dominant hand).

ardor
ENTHUSIASTIC. For an animated gif of this sign, see Animated dictionary of religious signs - Deaf Missions: Zeal.

area

area authority (LDS [Mormon])
(1) AREA AUTHORITY AGENT, where the second sign is an [A], that follows the curve of the bicep from shoulder to inside of elbow. (2) A-A.

area density
Draw lowercase sigma (lowercase sigma), if this is the symbol being used.

area expansion
(2h)[bC], POs ><, FOs away, separate with an upward arc with pc.

areola
[F], PO > NDS< FO up, place "ring" against nipple.

Argentina
DH [A], PO down, FO > NDS, brushes away from signer 2x with heel of palm on [A], PO down, FO > DS. To see the reference source for the sign(s) for this country or to look up other countries in the same geographical area, see Indigenous signs for countries. To find signs for cities within this country (some have no entries) see Indigenous signs for cities.

argon
A-R. For more information on this and other elements, see The elements. And for fun, see Elements by Tom Lehrer. To see this song with captions, go to The Elements song by Tom Lehrer.

arhat (Buddhist saint)
READY LIFE CYCLE"sta, sta, sta" ESCAPE.

arise from the dead
(1) GET-UP. (2) GET-UP + with hands in position from previous sign, DH rises up from palm of NDH.

aristocracy
ADVANCED PEOPLE, where ADVANCED is (2h)[B^], POs ><, FOs up, move upwards arcing towards the signer. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - aristocracy.

arithmetic
(2h)[K], POs ><, FOs away. DH brushes its bottom side against top of NDH multiple times. Note: MULTIPLY has a single movement. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - arithmetic.

arithmetic logic unit
A-L-U.

arithmetic mean
M-E-A-N.

arithmetic sequence
ORDER(n).

Ark (of the Covenant)

armadillo
(1) DH [1], PO down, FO away, flutters FT, while covered by rounded [B], PO down, FO > DS. (2) [Y], PO > NDS, FO up, spirals as it moves > NDS under NDH [B], PO down, FO > DS. For a movie of this sign, see Dictionary of Sign (ASL) - armadillo.

armed forces
(2h)[A], POs towards, tap chest twice with DH above NDH. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - armed forces.

armor
(1, specific) KNIGHT SUIT, that is, (2h)[B^], POs > signer, are held in front of face, and DH taps NDH from above like the visor of a knight + (2h)[Y], POs > signer, FOs ><, hands move up and thumbs touch above wait, then move down and little fingers touch legs. (2, general) BODY PREVENT. For a movie of this sign, see Dictionary of Sign (ASL) - armor.

armstand (dive)
(2h)[B], arms held down at an angle and the hands are twisted back at a right angle.

Aron (ארון)

arouse (sexually)
(1) ENCOURAGE EXCITED with appropriate facial expression. (2) ENCOURAGE INSPIRED with appropriate facial expression.

aroused (sexually)
(1) EXCITED with appropriate facial expression. (2) INSPIRED with appropriate facial expression.

arraign, arraignment
FIRST TIME CONFRONT COURT.

array

arrest (by police)

arrow
A-R-R-O-W, and then use the 1-CL to show the positioning of the arrowhead.

arsenic
A-S. For more information on this and other elements, see The elements. And for fun, see Elements by Tom Lehrer. To see this song with captions, go to The Elements song by Tom Lehrer.

art
[I], PO > NDS, moves down close to palm of [B] in a wavy pattern.

artery
[1] travels down arm to show path of blood.

arthritis
(1) FREEZE + DH holds onto twisting wrist as if preventing its motion. For a movie of this sign, see Dictionary of Sign (ASL) - arthritis. (2) "A".

article

Articles of Faith (LDS [Mormon])
Place thumbside of [A] against upper palm of NDH [B], PO > DS, FO up, then move down palm and place thumbside of [F] on lower portion of palm, similar to the movement for LAW (< the base sign LAW).

artificial insemination
PREGNANT THROUGH + NDH holds wrist of DH [S] which explodes to a [5], NOT. HOW? Then describe which artificial method is used.

artificial intelligence
A-I.

Aryan
(1) A-R-Y-A-N. (2) GERMAN R-A-C-E. (3) PURE GERMAN, where the first sign is like NICE but the DH moves backwards slightly on the palm, pauses, then moves forward rapidly to show intensity.

as built (drawings)
ALREADY BUILD. (2) SAME-AS BUILD, where the first sign is [Y], PO away, FO up, moves from side to side.

Ascension
DH [V] stands on NDH B, PO up and DH ascends.

Ascension, Feast of
(1) DH [V] stands on NDH B, PO up and DH ascends + (2h)alt.EAT. (2) DH [V] stands on NDH B, PO up and DH ascends + CELEBRATE.

asceticism

aseptic
CLEAN* (emphatic).

Aseret haDibrot (עשרת הדברות)
TEN COMMANDMENT.

Asereth Y'mai T'shuvah (עסרת ימי תשובה)
TEN DAY + [A], PO > signer is beaten against heart.

Ashkenaz, Ashkenazim, Ashkenazic (אשכנזים)
(Israeli sign) [A], PO away, FO up, slides down side of cheek. (< Israeli sign for "white", since Ashkenazim have pailer skin that Sepahrim)

ashram
INDIA RELIGION RETREAT. where the last sign is R-ESCAPE.

ashrama
LIFE BY-STAGES, where the second sign is (2h)[B^], POs ><, FOs up, hands circle around each other while rising. Like the sign PROCESS but moving upward, not forward.

Ash Wednesday
[A dot] makes the sign of the cross on the forehead with the tip of the thumb + WEDNESDAY. (< custom of spreading ashes on the forehead in the shape of a cross on this day.)

Asia
[A], PO away, FO up, moves in a CCW circle parallel to the chest and opens to a [5]. For a movie of this sign, see Dictionary of Sign (ASL) - Asia.

Asian-American
ASIA AMERICA AGENT.

aside
(1) Signer leans to one side and signs LISTEN. (2) Signer leans to one side and signs PRIVATE CONVERSATION.

ASL

asphalt
[A dot] tilts thumb as if pouring into [O], PO > DS, FO away.

aspirin
(1) [S] flicks index finger towards mouth twice.

aspergillum
WATER bX-C 'flick hand'.

assassinate
REASON KILL? POLITICS.

assemble

assembler (computers)
(1) PACK, that is, (2h)[O^], alt. start with PO up, and pronate while putting something in place. (2) (2h)[O], POs down, FOs away, move in antisymmetric circles while wiggling fingers as if tinkering with something.

Assemblies of God
The sign GOD starts out with an [A] and changes while descending to the regular [Bb].

assembly

assembly line
(2h)[4], DHPO down, NDHPO up, FOs away, both hands move repeatedly > DS, showing the flow of materials passing by.

assertive
(2h)[A] positioned like SELF and both hands are brought forward once with assertiveness.

assess
(1) (2h)[A], POs away, FOs up, alternately rise and fall with large movement. (2) ANALYZE.

assessment
(1) (2h)[A], POs away, FOs up, alternately rise and fall with small movement. (2) ANALYSIS.

assets
(1) IMPORTANT THINGS. (2) "A".

assign
[V] comes down on [1] like ringer in horseshoes.

assignment
[V] comes down on [1] like ringer in horseshoes with double movement.

assimilate, assimilation

assist

assistant
[L], PO away, FO up, taps thumb against bottom of [A dot], PO > signer, FO up.

assisted suicide
DOCTOR HELP PATIENT KILL SELF.

Associate's (degree)
(DEGREE,) A-A-S, where the first sign is (2h)[F] or [O], POs away, FOs up, touch side to side, then separate.

association (Astronomy)
GROUP STAR NOT CONNECTED*.

association area (brain)
RELATIONSHIP + (2h)alt.5:-CL are placed lf and rt in neutral space, then lf and rt closer to body.

associative (property, Math)
A-S-S-O-C.

assumption
DH [V] stands on NDH B, PO up and both hands ascend together.

assur (אסור)
(JEWISH LAW) FORBID.

astatine
A-T. For more information on this and other elements, see The elements. And for fun, see Elements by Tom Lehrer. To see this song with captions, go to The Elements song by Tom Lehrer.

asteroid
NDH [1], PO > DS, FO up, acts as the object orbitted around and [A], PO down, places itself at 12:00, 4:00 and 8:00, around NDH.

asthma
(1) FTs of (2h)[A] rub slightly against lungs. (2) (2h)[5], POs > chest, FOs ><, hands move back and forth as if breathing with effort and facial expression matches + LUNGS, where the second sign rubs the FTs of (2h)[B^] against the lungs. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - asthma. (3) (2h)[5], POs > chest, FOs ><, hands move back and forth as if breathing with effort and facial expression matches.

astray, "sin" (الضالون)
(2h)[B], NDH PO > DS, FO away, DH PO > signer crosses over the NDH. For a film of this Saudi sign, click on astray. (< outside of the straight path)

astrology
PREDICT HOW? STAR SCADS-OF STUDYwg-stars.

astronomy
SCIENCE, MAJOR STAR (2h)5:-CL'sky dotted with stars'. The final sign is a classifier where both hands with bent fingers poke at the sky while rising, and MAJOR is (2h)[B], POs ><, FOs away, DH is placed on top of NDH and moves away while still in contact with it.

asymmetric, asymmetry
NOT + (2h)[Y], POs down, FOs away, hands move left and right, side by side.

asymptomatic
PROBLEM HAVE, BUT SHOW NOT-YET.

asymptote
DH [A], PO away, FO up, draws a hyperbola within the NDH, [L], PO away, FO up.

asynchronous
SIMULTANEOUS (MATCH,) NOT, where the first sign is (2h)[ILY], POs down, FOs away, index finger of DH touches the place where the watch would be on the NDH and then both hands separate while closing to (2h)[Y].

asynchronous communication interface adapter
A-C-I-A.

asynchronous digital subscriber line
A-D-S-L.

asynchronous time division multiplexing
A-T-D-M.

asynchronous transfer mode
A-T-M.

atheism
BELIEVE GOD HAVE-NONE. HAVE-NONE = (2h)[B], POs > signer move upwards past mouth and swing upwards and apart while mouth blows on hands as they pass.

atheist
BELIEVE GOD HAVE-NONE, where the last sign is (2h)[B], POs > signer, are crossed low and brought up until they uncross and as they pass the mouth, the palms are blown on.

athlete
COMPETE AGENT.

athletics
(2h)[A], palms touch, FO away, hands twists as if each side was trying to pass the other.

athletic shirt
T-SHIRT + (2h)[G] traces down straps 2x.

athletic trainer
COMPETE PRACTICE AGENT.

ATM, teller machine
[B^ dot] is inserted into [B|| dot]. For a series of stills of this sign, see "at" ASL American Sign Language.

atman
CENTER-OF-BEING. Some Christian Deaf people sign "soul" this way. I mean that instead of signing CENTER so that it lands on the palm of the NDH, it lands in the center of the chest.

atmosphere

a-to-d (analog-to-digital)
[A] touches thumb of [L], PO > signer, FO > DS, then DH changes to [D] and touches index finger of NDH.

atom
A-WORLD.

atomic mass unit
A-M-U.

atomic number
(1) "N" A"subscripted". (2) A-WORLD NUMBER.

atomic theory of matter
A-WORLD THEORY ABOUT MATTER. Note: MATTER is (2h)[O^], PO up, touch FTs while rubbing fingers against thumb.

atomic weight
A-WORLD WEIGH.

atone, atonement

Atonement (World Wide Church of God)
Thumb of [A] is drawn across mouth. (< the closing of the lips during a fast.)

atrium
[O^] opens down to [5^] when it pumps.

atrophy
(2h)[A], POs ><, FOs away, both hands descend in an antisymmetric, wavy motion.

attached unit interface
A-U-I.

attachment (Buddhism)
ADDICTED HAVE THINGS.

attack (eat away at)
[5:] touches FT to palm of [B], PO > DS, FO up, and DH closes and opens as is travels up the palm, as if taking small bites of it, while gnashing the teeth with each bite.

attend

attendance
(2h)[1], POs away, FOs up, hands remain still while index fingers move so that they point away, then up, then away.

attention
(2h)[Bb], POs ><, FOs up, are held at sides of face and move forward once or back towards signer if the meaning is "pay attention to me".

attenuation
SIGNAL + [L:], PO away, moves > DS while FT pinch closed.

attenuation constant
"A".

attesting witness
SEE-OWN-EYE SIGN-NAME W-I-L-L, where first sign is [1], PO > signer, pulls down skin under eye.

attitude
[A], PO down, FO > NDS, circles then contacts chest close to shoulder.

attract

audio
Thumb of [A] circles ear.

audio console
Touch ear with index finger then (2h)[S], PO down, FO away, move antisymmetrically from side to side + (2h)[B], POs down, FOs away, touch sides then separate to show the console.

audio frequency
A-F.

audiogram
(1) HEAR GRAPH. (2) NDH [B], PO > signer, FO > DS; DH [A] travels down palm vertically, then changes to a [G] and travels across the palm horizontally. (< A and G initializing GRAPH.)

audiology
[A], PO away, FO up, circles the ear.

audiometer
[A], PO away, FO up, circles the ear + DH [1], PO away, FO up, is held behind NDH [C], PO > DS, FO up, as if it were the frame to the meter, and the DH twists slightly as if it were the moving needle.

audiotape, audiotape recorder
(1) Index finger points to ear + (2h)[open 8], PO down, FO away, indicates the movement of the tape in the recorder, symmetrically or antisymmetrically. (2) Same as (1) but with index fingers.

audiovisual
A-V.

audism
(2h)[Bb] frames the ear horizontally and then vertically.

audition
TRY.

auditory
(1) Thumb of [3] is held at ear and index and middle fingers wiggle. (2) Thumb of [A or A dot] circles ear. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - audiology.

auditory area (brain)
AUDITORY + [G] is drawn across forehead to show the area where audition happens in the brain. (2) Thumb of [A or A dot] circles ear + [G] is drawn across forehead to show the area where audition happens in the brain.

auditory canal
AUDITORY + C-A-N-A-L (2h)[F], POs away, FOs up, separate to show the canal.

auditory nerve
AUDITORY + [N] runs FT up arm.

auditory perception
AUDITORY + UNDERSTAND.

Augsburg Confession
Loose [1] taps under the eye several times + C-O-N-F-E-S-S-I-O-N. The first sign is the German sign for the city of Augsburg. (< AUGE which means "eye".) For a static gif of this sign, see Allgemeines Gebärdenlexikon: Augsburg.

Augustus, Kaiser
Since he was Dutch, this Dutch sign might be useful: (2h)[1]touch respective temples then pronate while moving away + [A dot] is held high. From http://www.effathaguyot.nl/index.php?stab=1&signfirst=K (Effatha - Gebarenboek and click on "keizer Augustus") which is no longer extant.

auricle
[O^] opens down to [5^] when it pumps.

aurora
COLOR (2h)[5 wg], POs > signer, FOs ><, hands alt. move towards and away.

Australia
(2h)[8], POs away from signer, FOs up, flick to (2h)[open 8] 2x. (< kangaroo.) To see the reference source for the sign(s) for this country or to look up other countries in the same geographical area, see Indigenous signs for countries. To find signs for cities within this country (some have no entries) see Indigenous signs for cities.

Austria (Österreich)
(1) (2h)[5] crossed at wrists, touch thumbs, and flutter fingers like a butterfly. (< eagle on old flag.) (2) (2h)[1] crossed at wrists, wiggle fingers 2x. (< eagle on old flag.) To see the reference source for the sign(s) for this country or to look up other countries in the same geographical area, see Indigenous signs for countries. To find signs for cities within this country (some have no entries) see Indigenous signs for cities.

authenticate

authority

autism
(2h)[A] touch temples and supinate (twist so that the) POs > signer and touch at the ulnar (pinky) sides. For a movie of this sign, see Dictionary of Sign (ASL) - autism.

automatic

automatically
(1)(2h)[L], FOs ><, tap thumbs against chest twice. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - automatic. (2) DH [X] runs inside of finger against NDH [1], PO > DS several times. This sign comes from "automatic transmission" and is used for that as well as "automatic, automatically". (3) SELF DO.

automatic fine tuning
A-F-T.

automatic flow controller
A-F-C.

automatic frequency control
A-F-C.

automatic gain control
A-G-C.

automatic level control
A-L-C.

automatic phase control
A-P-C.

automatic volume control
A-V-C.

automation
SELF DO.

automaton (pl. automata)
The signer mimes the stiff walk associated with robots. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - robot.

automorphism
A-U-T-O-M.

autonomic
A-U-T-O-N-O-M-I-C.

autonomous, autonomy
INDEPENDENT.

autopsy
BODY DIE, DO-SURGERY-ON-chest"vertical cut" ANALYZE.

auxiliary
A-U-X.

auxiliary region (anatomy)
FT of [X] taps underarm + [5], PO > underarm, FO up, moves in a circle at that region.

available
(1) [A] held high, PO points over shoulder, FO up, descends by extending from the elbow and changing into a [B]. (2) EMPTY.

availability
(1) AVAILABLE CAN+. (2) AVAILABLE.

avairah
SIN.

avant garde
NEW ACT.

avelut
(1)SAD"over time". (2) (2h)[S] twist at heart.

average
(1) SHARE, that is, [B], PO > NDS, FO away, twists at wrist over [B], PO > signer, FO > DS. (2) A-V. (3) A-V-G.

average albedo (percent reflection)
AVERAGE PERCENT REFLECT. REFLECT is [O^], PO away, FOs up, is brought to [B], PO away, FO up, and reflects off it while opening to [5].

average density
AVERAGE "D". Note: Or whatever abbreviation is being used for "density" during the lecture.

average power (Pav)
P A-V"subscripted".

average voltage (Vav)
V A-V"subscripted".

aversive (conditioning)
NEGATIVE.

Avinu sh'b'Shemayim (אבינו שבשמים)
(1) (2h)[A], FOs up, DH is held against forehead, NDH close to head but lower, both hands open to (2h)[5] while moving upwards. (2) HEAVEN + (1) above. (3) (1) + IN HEAVEN.

avocado
NDH [C dot], PO > DS, FO away, DH [S' smashes into NDH palm amd twists as if mashing an avocado. To see a series of still of this sign, go to avacado ASL American Sign Language.

avodah (עבודה)
WORSHIP.

Avogadro's number
"A" 'S NUMBER.

Avot (אבות)
[A] strikes between the thumb and forefinger of [B], like BOTHER, but a single movement + [I] taps fingertip against throat + J-A-C-O-B.

Avraham Avinu (אברהם אבינו)
(1) [A] strikes between the thumb and forefinger of [B], like BOTHER, but a single movement. (2) [A], PO > singer, circles extended forearm like a shield. (3) [A] taps palmside against ND elbow. (< angel stopping Avraham from sacrificing his son Yitzchak.)

aware
KNOW++.

awareness
KNOW++ TEND POSS.

awe, awesome, awe-inspiring
(2h)[S>5wg>S] @ eyes with awed facial expression.

axis
A-X-I-S.

axis of symmetry
A-X-I-S, use NDH [B] to describe the orientation of the axis, holding the NDH in place at end and sign SAME-AS across this boundary.

axon
[I] travels up arm to show the line of transmission below the myelin cover.

AZT
A-Z-T.

Image credits

1. ClipArtConnection.com

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