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.

cabinet

(2h)[5:] swing open cabinet doors 2x while closing each time to (2h)[S].

cable

~ (general)
(2h)C-CL (or F-CL depending on dimensions) shows curly cable.

~ (television)

C-A-T-V.

cable TV

C-T-V.

cactus

DH [4], PO > signer, FO down, is held against radial (thumb) side of [C], PO > DS, FO up, and DH rotates against the NDH until FO is up. For a movie of this sign, see Dictionary of Sign (ASL) - cactus.

Cadillac

C-WASHINTGTON, that is [C], PO > NDS, FO away, brushes up side of chest and spirals while moving away.

cadmium

C-D. 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.

caesarian section

(1) [C] runs thumb along incision made along abdomen, vertically or horizontally depending on the method. (2) "C" + run thumb along incision made along abdomen, vertically or horizontally depending on the method. For a QuickTime movie of the second part of this sign, see ASL browser - caesarian section.(3) BABY + run thumb of [A dot] along incision made along abdomen, vertically or horizontally depending on the method + OUT@abdomen.

caffeine

(1) C-CL brings cup to mouth + (2h)[S] are brought up to eyes and touch cheeks while opening to (2h)[C]. (2) C-A-F-F-E-I-N-E.

cage

(1) (2h)[4], POs > signer, FOs ><, move to make a horizontal circle. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - cage. (2) (2h)[5], POs > signer, FOs ><, DH shuts like door. For a movie of this sign, see Dictionary of Sign (ASL) - cage.

calcium

C-A. For more information on this and other elements, see The elements. And for fun, listen to Tom Lehrer singing the "Song of the elements" at Flashimation.

calculate

~
(2h)[K], POs ><, FOs away. DH brushes its bottom side against top of NDH multiple times. Note: MULTIPLY has a single movement.

~ (do) it in your head

CALCULATE WITHOUT PAPER, MULL-OVER, where the last sign is (1h) or (2h)[O] is held at forehead and fingers pill-roll, that is fingers tremble against the thumb.

calculator

The fingers wiggle as DH [5] moves down the palm of [B] PO> DS. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - calculator.

calculus

C-MATH. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - calculus.

calibrate

MEASURE (1x) SET-UP.

calibration

MEASURE++'descending'.

californium

C-F. For more information on this and other elements, see The elements. And for fun, listen to Tom Lehrer singing the "Song of the elements" at Flashimation.

call

~ (altar)
INVITE SAVED.

~ (name, as in "what do you ~ this?")

TO-NAME, that is, (2h)[H], POs diagonally ><, FOs roughly away, DH descends and pushes down NDH slightly at FTs' centers.

~ (summon, as in "~ a (computer) program")

SUMMON.

called (by God)

NDH [B], PO down, FO > DS, DH [B^], PO > signer, touches back of NDH and moves away while closing to [A dot].

calling (Divine)

NDH [B], PO down, FO > DS, DH [B^], PO > signer, touches back of NDH and moves away while closing to [A dot].

calorie

C-A-L.

calorimeter

C-A-L METER.

Calvary

MOUNTAIN~CROSS.

cam

(1) [O^], PO away, FO up, is held at palm of [B], PO > DS, FO up, and DH opens and closes rapidly. (2) NDH [1] touches wrist of [5], PO down, FO away, while DH nods at wrist.

Cambodia

(1) [bX] goes around waist from center to back. (2) [B^], PO > NDS, FO up, ascends + (2h)[5], POs ><, FOs up, separate slightly and close to (2h)[5:] 2x with kneading action. 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.

camera

(still-picture) ~
(2h)[bC], POs ><, FOs up, DH index finger flicks down and then back up as if snapping a picture.

(motion-picture) ~

(1) [O^], PO away, FO up, is held at palm of [B], PO > DS, FO up, and DH opens and closes rapidly. (2) NDH [1] touches wrist of [5], PO down, FO away, while DH nods at wrist.

camera angle

fall (in ~)
NDH [1] is held to the wrist of [B], PO away, FO up, and both move downwards.

rise (in ~)

NDH [1] is held to the wrist of [B], PO away, FO up, both move upwards.

swing (in ~)

NDH [1] is held to the wrist of [B], PO away, FO up, which turns PO in appropriate direction. If this is awkward, use NDH.

tilt (in ~)

NDH [1] is held to the wrist of [B], PO away, FO up, which tilts PO in appropriate direction.

camera control unit

C-C-U.

cameraperson

(1)PICTURE AGENT. (2) [O^], PO away, FO up, is held at palm of [B], PO > DS, FO up, and DH opens and closes rapidly + AGENT. (3) NDH [1] touches wrist of [5], PO down, FO away, while DH nods at wrist + AGENT.

camper (vehicle)

CAMP CAR. For a movie of this sign, see Dictionary of Sign (ASL) - camper.

cancer

DH is shaped and moves like MEETING as it "eats" its way up the NDH arm, PO down. For a movie of this sign, see Dictionary of Sign (ASL) - cancer.

Canada

(1) [A] grabs hold of garment at chest and pulls outward 2x. (< Royal Canadian Mounted Police "get" their man.) (2) [A] grabs hold of garment at chest and moves up and down chest several times. (< Royal Canadian Mounted Police "get" their man.) (3) [C], PO away, moves in arc > 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.

cancel

~
DH [1] draws an "X" on the palm of NDH.

the x's ~ (where x represents any two like elements of an equation)
(2h)alt.INDEX"the like items that cancel" CANCEL.

cancer

C-A-N-C-E-R.

candela

C-D.

candela per square foot

C-D, then hand descends and signs F-T SQUARED.

candela per square meter

C-D, then hand descends and signs "M" SQUARED.

cane

[bX], PO > NDS, mimes the action of a cane being tapped from side to side.

cannon

(2h)[1], POs ><, FOs away, DH is held on top of NDH. DH moves forward suddenly and recoils. For a movie of this sign, see Dictionary of Sign (ASL) - cannon.

canoe

NDH [A], PO away, FO up, holds T-grip of paddle and DH [S] holds shaft of paddle. Both hands move paddle back twice on DS with minimal movement to maintain the noun-verb distinction between "canoe" and "canoeing". Note: There is no need to paddle on both sides, nor should both handles grasp the shaft which is not how canoe paddling is executed.

canoeing

NDH [A], PO away, FO up, holds T-grip of paddle and DH [S] holds shaft of paddle. Both hands move paddle back with two big strokes on DS in unison with effort. Note: There is no need to paddle on both sides, nor should both handles grasp the shaft which is not how canoe paddling is executed.

canon, canonical

~ (Jewish or Christian, but use the right sign for BIBLE.)
BIBLE (topic), INCLUDE (nod).

~ (other religions)

"name of scripture" (topic), INCLUDE (nod).

Canon Law

CHURCH LAW.

canonize

CALL/NAME SAINT.

cantilever

DH [B], PO down, FO away, balances elbow against index finger of [Bb], PO > signer, FO > DS.

cantor

C-MUSIC AGENT.

cap

~ (a lens)
[5:], PO > NDS, FOs up, is brought to the thumbside of [C], PO away, FO up, as if capping it.

~ (clothing)

[bX] repeatedly tips "hat" at forehead.

(cover for opening)

~ (n)
[5:], PO down, taps slightly several times against top of [S], PO > DS, FO away.

~ (v)

[5:], PO down, is brought down once against top of [S], PO > DS, FO away.

~ (maximum, such as "a ~ on spending")

DH [B], PO down, rises until it slaps bottom of NDH, PO down. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - maximum.

capacitance

~
"C".

equivalent ~

"C" + EQUAL is signed on the NDS, then again on the DS.

total ~ (C_T)

C T"subscripted".

capacitive reactance (X_c)

X C"subscripted".

capacitive voltage (V_c)

V C"subscripted".

capacitor

~
(2h)[C], POs ><, FOs up, tap at wrists twice.

left plate of the ~

CAPACITOR + (2h)[B], POs ><, FOs away, hands move downwards + with index the left hand which is held in place from the previous sign with the right hand.

parallel combination of ~s (or) ~s connected in parallel

CIRCUIT + (2h)[1], POs down, FOs away, move away in parallel. CAPACITOR, + CONNECT++ while hands move away.

parallel plate ~

CAPACITOR P-L-A-T-E, (2h)[B], POs ><, FOs away, hands move downwards.

right plate of the ~

CAPACITOR + (2h)[B], POs ><, FOs away, hands move downwards + index the right hand which is held in place from the previous sign with the left hand.

series combination of ~s (or) ~s connected in series

CAPACITOR, CONNECT++ as hands move > DS.

capacity

HOW-MUCH + DH [B], PO down, rises while fluttering fingers until it slaps bottom of NDH, PO down.

capital

~ (Business)
[C], PO away, FO up, taps thumb against palm of [B], PO up, FO away.

~ (uppercase letter)

To show that a letter is uppercase (capital), show the fingerspelled letter on the DH and place the NDH [bC], PO away, FO up, next to the letter with pc. For example, capital D:
____pc
"D"--->
[bC]-CL

working ~

WORK"over time" + [C], PO away, FO up, taps thumb against palm of [B], PO up, FO away.

capital gains and losses

C-MONEY, (<) INCREASE++-up, (>) DECREASE++-down.

capital punishment

KILL PUNISH.

capital recovery factor

C-MONEY HEALTHY(RECOVER) F-A-C-T-O-R.

cap lock (computer key)

C-A-P LOCK.

cappuccino

[C], PO away, FO up, circles on top of NDH [S], PO > DS, FO away, as if grinding.

captain (sports or general)

FT of [5:] taps shoulder. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - captain.

caption

MAKE CAPTIONED.

captioned, captioning

(1) SENTENCE+. (2) C-SENTENCE+.

capture hypothesis

ARREST HYPOTHESIS, that is, [S] grabs [1], PO > DS, FO up + [H] circles temple.

carbonaceous chondrite

STONE + 5^-CL'diagonal, wavy descent' HAVE "C".

carbohydrate

C-H-O.

carbon

"C". For more information on this and other elements, see The elements. And for fun, listen to Tom Lehrer singing the "Song of the elements" at Flashimation.

carbon dioxide

C-O TWO'subscripted'.

carbon monoxide

C-O.

carboy (Chemistry)

(2h)C-CL'large jug' + with NDH still held in place, show movement of stopcock, which is NDH [F], PO away, FO up, is the spigot and [bX] twists above its end.

card (in a game)

~
(2h)[L], PO away, FO up, touch fingertips and then separate while closing to (2h)[bO^] to show the rectangular shape.

~s (the game)

(2h)[bX], NDPO > DS, FO away, DPO > signer, FO > NDS. DH curled index finger brushes several times against NDH curled index finger in small movements as if dealing cards.

deal the ~s

(2h)[bX], NDPO > DS, FO away, DPO > signer, FO > NDS. DH curled index finger brushes against NDH curled index finger and then DH waves as it moves > DS, as if delivering cards to a series of people.

play a ~

[S], PO > NSD, FO away, moves forward and flicks out index finger to show the release of a card.

dis~

THROW-AWAY, that is, [A], PO > NDS, FO up, unfolds at elbow and opens to a [3].

cardinal

(1) RED KISS-RING. (2) RED + (2h)[L:] puts cap on head. (3) FT of [I], PO > NDS is tapped against chin.

career

[C], PO away, travels away along the edge of [Bb], PO > DS, FO away.

carefree

(2h)[8] cross arms over chest and flick off index fingers at shoulders. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - carefree.

caretaker

SUPERVISOR.

carnival

[V:], POs down, travel in a circle perpendicular to the chest as if on opposite seats of a ferris wheel. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - carnival.

carpal region

Grasp ND wrist of [S] with DH and flex NDH + [5], PO > wrist, FO up, moves in a small circle at the wrist.

carpenter

(1) (2h)[S], POs ><, FOs away, NDH is held in front of DH and both hands move forwards twice as if planing a board + AGENT. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - carpenter. (2) [S] mimes swinging hammer + AGENT. (3) [S], PO > NDS, FO away, slides away on the upturned palm of [B] twice + AGENT. For a series of stills of this sign, go to "carpenter" ASL American Sign Language.

carpentry

(1) (2h)[S], NDHPO down, DHPO up, move several times to side as if using planer. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - carpenter. (2) [A] mimes driving a nail with a hammer. (3) [S], PO > NDS, FO away, slides away on the upturned palm of [B] twice. For a series of stills of this sign, go to "carpenter" ASL American Sign Language.

carpet bombing

EXPLODE, (2h)S->5:(POs down, FOs away)'hands move up to show individual explosions and then separate while continuing to explode, then show the next row exploding'. This last part will look BALONEY while moving quickly.

carrier

~ (genetics)
PASS-DOWN DISEASE CAN.

~ (pathology)

SPREAD DISEASE CAN.

Carter, Jimmy

C-PEANUT. (< he owned a peanut farm.)

Cartesian coordinate system

C-A-R-T-E-S-I-A-N C-O-O-R-D SYSTEM.

cartridge

[C^], PO up, twists as if drawing attention to something in the hand.

cascade emitter-coupled logic

C-E-C-L.

case

C-A-S-E.

case worker

C-A-S-E WORKER.

cash

Tip of thumb is rubbed against the other FTs.

cash flow

Tip of thumb is rubbed against the other FTs + (2h)[B] is moved like SIGN, to show money changing hands.

cashier

CASH-REGISTER AGENT.

cash register

[5], PO diagonally away, circles while fluttering fingers as if using a cash register.

cassette

[C^], PO up, twists as if drawing attention to something in the hand.

cassette tape

(2h)[1^], POs down, FOs away, circle symmetrically or antisymmetrically to show the movement of the tape. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - cassette tape.

cast (into mold)

(2h)[C], POs ><, FOs away, thumbs remain touching while DH rotates until FO is up, as if pouring something into NDH.

caste

SOCIETY HIERARCHY.

caster

[B] pushes down on [C], PO down, FO away, from above for zero caster, with [B] closer to body, it pushes forward for positive caster and [B] pushes on knuckles and towards body for negative caster.

castle

(2h)[V:], POs away, FOs up, touch at sides then alt. descend and separate a few times.

castrate

(2h)[5:], POs up, FOs away, alt. rise and fall rapidly + with NDH held in place, DH slices above it as if detaching testicles.

Castro Street (San Francisco)

(1) [C], PO > NDS, FO up, touches NDS of chin and then DS + STREET. (2) [C], PO down, taps DS hip + STREET.

casual

EVERDYAY with mm. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - casual.

casual contact (AIDS)

TOUCH, KISS, SHARE DRINK, ETC.

catalog

LIST.

cataloged

LIST, HAVE.

catalyst

CHEMICAL HELP REACTION.

cataract

EYE + (2h)[O^], NDHPO towards, DHPO away, touch at FTS , then move to opposite sides while opening to (2h)[5]. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - cataract.

catch

~ a baseball
Both hands are held POs away, FOs up, with DH [C] and NDH [B]. DH contacts NDH while closing to an [S].

~ a disease from someone else

DH 5, PO > signer, FO away, moves towards NDH and touches its dorsal (back) side with thumbside of hand while closing to an [8].

catcher

(1) DH [C], PO away, FO up, taps 3x against palm of NDH [B], PO away, FO up + AGENT. (2) DH [C], PO away, FO up, taps 3x against palm of NDH [B], PO away, FO up.

catcher's mitt

CATCHER (option 2) + DH [B^] arcs over outline of NDH [B], PO > DS, FO up.

catcher's sign (signals)

CATCHER (option 2) SYMBOL + [S], PO down, FO away, flicks out [1], then flicks out [2].

catchup

(1) CAT + [1], PO > NDS, FO up. To see a series of stills of this sign, go to "ketchup" ASL American Sign Language. (2) [5] slaps the top of [S], PO > DS, FO away, like the inverted boom of a ketchup bottle. To see a series of stills of this sign, go to "ketchup" ASL American Sign Language.

Catechism

(1, Lutheran) [L], PO > NDS, FO up, taps midchest (LUTHER) BOOK.(2, general) TEACH BOOK.

catechumen (Catholic)

[C], PO > NDS, FO away, brushes down DS of chest twice.

catechumenate (Catholic)

CATECHUMEN + GROUP.

category

CLASS/GROUP. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - category.

caterpillar

[1] inches up the top of ND arm like a caterpillar. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - caterpillar.

cathedral

(1) The [C] in CHURCH is brought upwards like the [U] in UNIVERSITY. (2) [C], PO away, traces the shape of a roof.

cathode

MINUS, that is, [1], FO > NDS, is placed against the palm of [B], PO away, once.

cathode ray oscilloscope

C-R-O.

cathode ray tube

C-R-T.

Catholic

(Roman) ~
[H] traces cross at forehead.

~ (universal, as in the Nicene Creed's "I believe in the holy catholic church.")

(1) COOPERATE. (2) U-WORLD.

cation

(1) ATOM POSITIVE. (2) "X" POSITIVE'superscripted'. For example, "Lithium cation", use the chemical abbreviation "Li+", so sign L-I POSITIVE'superscripted'.

Caucasian

This begins like the color WHITE, the final [O^] opening into [5^] and is thrown into the face as in the sign for PALE. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - Caucasian.

caulking

NDH [C], PO up, FO away, holds barrel of imaginary caulking gun and [L], PO > signer, FO > NDS, repeatedly pulls trigger of gun with index finger.

causality

CAUSE HAVE, where the first sign is (2h)[S] are held at the chest as if holding a rope and move forward while opening to (2h)[5]. For a QuickTime movie of "cause", see ASL browser - cause.

cause

(2h)[S] are held at the chest as if holding a rope and move forward while opening to (2h)[5]. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - cause.

cause and effect

(<) CAUSE, (>) HAPPEN.

caustic

CHEMICAL + [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.

cave

(2h)[C], POs ><, FOs up, DH ahead of NDH and held at face, DH moves away. To see a series of stills of this sign, go to "cave" ASL American Sign Language.

caviar

[5:] strikes the palm of [5], PO up, as it moves towards signer (both FO away) like GRAPES.

cavity

C-A-V-I-T-Y.

celery

The G hand is shaken once then brought to the mouth. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - celery.

celestial

HEAVEN (POSS.).

Celestial, terrestrial, telestial (LDS [Mormon])

NDH [3]. PO towards, serves as a base for list the three degrees of glory by placing a [C] at the thumb, a [T] at the index finger, and then a [T] at the middle finger.

celibacy

~ (religious)
(1) C-BACHELOR. (2) PROMISE GOD SEX REFUSE.

celibacy (secular)

SEX REFUSE FROM-NOW-ON.

cell

(1) C-E-L-L. (2) (2h)[C], POs ><, FO away, FTs are tapped together.

cell body

CELL B-O-D-Y.

celsius

O"superscripted" C (^oC).

cement

NDH [C], PO down, FO away, [1] moves in a circle within NDH mimicking a cement truck.

censer

(2h)[S], POs > signer, DH is held high and immobile and NDH swings back and forth as if swinging censer (incense holder).

center

~ (basketball)
"C".

~ (middle)

FT of [B^], circle around and then land on the palm of [B], PO up, FO away.

center-click

CENTER + [X] clicks on palm of ND [B] as if it were a key.

center field

C-F.

center frequency

C-F.

center of curvature

Sign CENTER and with NDH left in place, arc DH over NDH from wrist to FT so that the "center" is in fact of the middle of its curvature.

center of gravity

"C" "G".

center of mass

"C" "M". Note that each letter is shaken separately, as opposed to the fingerspelling C-M for "centimeter".

center of symmetry

If the speaker is going to state the location of the center of symmetry:
________________________rhq
SYMMETRY CENTER WHERE?
If the location of the center of symmetry is yet to be determined):
________________________whq
SYMMETRY CENTER WHERE?

center stage

CENTER STAGE.

centi- (10^-2)

C- [plus unit abbreviation].

centile

C-E-N-T-I-L-E.

centile rank

C-E-N-T-I-L-E R-A-N-K.

centimeter

C-M.

centimeter-gram-second (deprecated)

C-G-S.

central nervous system

C-N-S.

central processing unit

C-P-U.

centrifuge

[1^], PO down, FO away, circles horizontally.

centripetal acceleration

Fingerspell fully, then negotiate the abbreviation, C-E-N-T A-C-C-E-L or "C" "A".

centromere

DH [G], PO > NDS, spirals away from [C], PO > DS and then enters NDH from above.

century

(1) "C". (2) [C], PO away, FO upwards, moves CW as seen by signer. To see a video or still of this sign, go to "century" ASL American Sign Language.

cephalic region

HEAD + [5], PO > face, FO up, moves in a circle at the face.

ceramic dual inline package

C-E-R-D-I-P.

cereal

(1) (2h)[C], DP scoops up cereal from the NDH as bowl. (1) [1], PO down, FO > NDS, finger wg as is passes by the mouth from the DS.

cerebellum

[5:] touches back of head with FT.

cerebral cortex

(2h)[5^], touch sides of head with FTs and sweep back + DH [G], PO away, slide along palm of [B], PO down, FO > DS to show the under surface.

ceremony

CELEBRATE.

cerium

C-E. For more information on this and other elements, see The elements. And for fun, listen to Tom Lehrer singing the "Song of the elements" at Flashimation.

certificate

(2h)[C], POs ><, FOs up, tap thumbs together 2x.

certified, certify

(2h)[C], POs ><, FOs up, tap thumbs together once with large movement.

cervical cap

~
C-E-R-V-I-C-A-L C-A-P.

classifier for ~

Fingerspell U-T-E-R-U-S; use NDH to form slightly open [O^], PO down, held next to body to represent uterus; point to NDH with DH to show that this is the uterus; while still holding NDH in place, sign RUBBER and use rounded [Bb] to cap the uterus. Thus negotiated, the rounded [Bb] over the [O^] can be the sign from then on.

cervical vertebrae

[B^] touches FT to DS of neck at top and then bottom + (2h)[V:], POs ><, FOs away, NDH touches under chin and DH touches NDH from below and then descends while punching forward slightly to show the separate vertebrae in the neck. [B^] is the handshape for KNOW.

cervix

Slightly open [O^] points down and is placed on belly and NDH [1] circles around the FTs.

cesarian section

See "caesarian section".

cesium

C-S. For more information on this and other elements, see The elements. And for fun, listen to Tom Lehrer singing the "Song of the elements" at Flashimation.

chag

(1) CELEBRATE. (2) (2h)[5], POs ><, tap thumbs on respective sides of chest. (3) HOLY DAY.

Chag Sameach!

(1) HAPPY HOLIDAY. (2) HAPPY + (mention specific holiday).

Chagai

H-A-G.

chain, chained, chaining (computers)

CHAIN, that is, (2h)[5], repeatedly interlink by closing to (2h)[F] while alt. twisting in opposing directions.

chain smoke, heavy smoker

(1) (2h)alt.[U], POs > signer, FOs up, move to and from mouth frantically. (2) [U] taps at corner of mouth + (2h)[S], POs > signer, FOs up, moves down diagonally > NDS with quick movement.

chalice

CUP.

challah

EGG BREAD.

champ

See "champion".

champagne

(1) Thumb of closed hand, PO up, FO away, flicks against thumb twice. (2) [W] circles with thumb and index finger rubbing against cheek + index finger of closed hand, PO up, FO away, flicks against thumb once. (3)ALCOHOL + index finger of closed hand, PO up, FO away, flicks against thumb once.

champfer

[V] cuts [Bb], PO > signer, FO > DS, at an angle.

champion

[3:] acts as crown and strikes its palm against FT of [1], PO away, FO up. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - champion.

championship

COMPETE CHAMPION.

chancey

(2h)#IF, that is, (2h)[I] wiggles fingers so that the HS oscillates between (2h)[I] and (2h)[F].

chancre

C-H-A-N-C-R-E.

Chandrasekhar limit

C-H-A-N-D LIMIT.

change

(2h)[X or A], starts with DH above and in contact with NDH, then the hands change places by twisting.

change in (current, velocity, time, etc)

This is often indicated by an uppercase delta () placed before the abbreviation for the parameter under discussion, such as " T" for "change in time". "" can be represented by signing TRIANGLE.

change up (baseball)

[B^] moves away in vertical arc, up then down.

channel

~ (electronics)
[1] brushes thumbside along palm and alongside index finger of NDH [5], PO > DS, FO away, then DH similarly passes alongside middle finger, then ring finger.

~ (fluids, n)

WAY.

~ (fluids, v)

FORCE FOLLOW WAY.

~ (TV and radio)

[5:], PO away, twists knob.

Channukah (or four other spellings!)

(1) (2h)[4], POs away (some use POs >) signer, FOs up, index fingers touch and then separate while sweeping down and then up in an arc, like the arms of a candelabra. (2) (1) with fingers wiggling. (3) (1) with POs away from signer and the HSs replaced by (2h)[H dot]. (4) (2h)[B], PO away, FO up, touch and spread out to (2h)[4]. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - Hanukkah. (< the shape of the menorah (special lamp).

channukiah

CHANNUKAH LAMP.

chant

~ (Western religions)
SING. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - chant.

~ (Eastern religions)

SING/SAY SAME-OLD-THING, where the second sign is (2h)[y], PO down, FO away, hands move in circles at their respective sides, that are parallel to the torso.

chapel

(1) SPECIAL PRAYER ROOM FOR CHURCH. (2) CHURCH. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - chapel.

chaplain

PRIEST~PREACH(ER), that is, [G], PO > signer, is drawn against the neck + [F], PO away from signer, is held high and bends repeatedly at wrist. For an animated gif of the second sign, see Animated dictionary of religious signs - Deaf Missions: Preach.

chapter

(1) C-LESSON. (2) C-WHAT.For an animated gif of this sign, see Animated dictionary of religious signs - Deaf Missions: Chapter.

character

~ (in another language, such as Chinese)
(1) [C], FO up, circles and lands on palm of [B], PO away, FO up. (2) (2h)[1] cross at midfinger and wg while moving together in the direction that this language is written.

~ (in a story)

[C], PO > NDS, FO up, circles and then lands on palm of [B], PO away, FO up.

~ (of a person)[C], FO up, circles and lands on NDS of chest.


~ (Roman letter or well-known symbol)

[C], FO up, circles and lands on palm of [B], PO away, FO up.

character generator

C-G.

characteristic

[C], PO > NDS, FO up, circles palm of [B], PO away, FO up, and lands on palm.

characters per inch

C-P-I.

characters per line

C-P-L.

characters per second

C-P-S.

charata

(1) R-CHANGE. (2) SORRY.(3) GET-#BACK-WITH-GOD, that is, (2h)[B], PO ><, FOs up, approach each other and changer to (2h)[K]. The eyes look up and the hands are oriented to show "with God" is meant.(4) CLEAN OFFER-TO-God.

charge

~, ~ing (basketball)
[5:] taps palm against back of head several times.

~ (business)

FT of [X], PO > NDS, FO away, descends and scratches palm of [B], PO > DS, FO away.

~ (criminal justice)

~
(COURT) BLAME.

~d

(COURT) BLAME HIM/HER.

~ (electronics)

~ (n)
(1) ELECTRICITY. (2) "Q". Note: But not COST, sometimes glossed CHARGE.

~ (a cylinder with gas)

DH flicks fingertip once at tip of NDH [1], PO > DS.

~ (v)

DH [O^], PO down, is held against NDH [B], PO down, and DH opens to a [C] with thumb still touching NDH to show the increase in power.

~d

(1) ELECTRICITY HAVE, (2) "Q" HAVE.

like ~s repel

"Q" SAME, TWO-OF-THEM + (2h)[8], POs ><, FOs away, separate rapidly while changing to (2h)[open 8].

unlike ~s attract

"Q" SAME, TWO-OF-THEM + (2h)[open 8], POs ><, FOs away, rush together while changing to (2h)[8].

~ is conserved

TOTAL "Q" GESTALT, STAY. Where GESTALT is (2h)[5], PO down, FO away, hands supinate while descending as if following the outline of a circle.

(receive) ~

"Q" INCREASE++.

(send) ~ (other than to a battery)(v)

"Q" DH flicks fingertip once at tip of NDH [1], PO > DS.

charge coupled device

C-C-D.

charge density

~ (linear)
Draw a lowercase rho () in the air + L"subscripted".

~ (surface)

Draw a lowercase rho () in the air + S"subscripted".

~ (volumetric)

Draw a lowercase rho () in the air.

charge transfer device

C-T-D.

charge up (a battery)

DH [O^], PO down, is held against NDH [B], PO down, and DH opens to a [C] with thumb still touching NDH to show the increase in power.

chariot

DH [C], PO > signer, FO > DS with thumb tucked against other fingers, [N], PO down, FO away, is held behind the curved portion of the front and both hands move forward + CONTROL.

charismatic (Religion )

(1) [C], PO > NDS, FO away, touches mouth with thumb and moves away in upward arcs. (2) C-C.

charity

~ (Christian)
(2h)[B] held crossed over heart.

~ (Jewish)

(1) MONEY PUT-IN-CHARITY-BOX. The second sign looks like VOTE. (2) (2h)alt.GIFT-TO"each", that is (2h)[X] alt. move forward with a wrist nod. (3) (2h)alt.GIFT-TO"each" EQUAL.

charm (quark)

"C" PARTICLE.

chart

DH [4] runs FTs down palm of NDH [B" and then supinates and runs across the palm. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - chart.

Chassid (pl. Chassidim)

(2h)[1] touch the start of the sideburns and descend in spirals.

Chassidic (adj)

(2h)[1] touch the start of the sideburns and descend in spiral + POSS.

Chassidut

(2h)[1] touch the start of the sideburns and descend in spirals + POSS.

chatan

BOY~WEDDING.

chatan Breishit

HONOR HOW? READ FIRST PART TORAH.

chatan Torah

HONOR HOW? READ LAST PART TORAH.

chatunah

WEDDING.

(Heb)

chauvinism

(1, general) (2h)[X dot], POs ><, FOs away, are held at temples, then separate suddenly. (2, political)

THINK* POSS. GOVERNMENT BEST.

Chava

[E] touches DS of chin with thumbside 2x.

Chavakuk

H-A-B.

chazan

C-MUSIC AGENT.

cheat (general and Theater)

[V], PO > signer, FO > NDS, intersects 2x with [Bb], PO down, FO away. That means that the index finger is above the DH and the middle finger is below it.

check, checking

~ (banking)
(1) Touch FTs of (2h)[bC], POs away, and separate while closing to (2h)[bO]. (2) [C] runs FT and thumb along the sides of [B], PO > signer, FO > DS.

~ (something out)

FT of [1] makes a single check mark against the palm of [B]. Some people start this sign by touching the nose.

checkpoint (computers)

FT of [1] makes a check mark against the palm of [B] + POINT.

checks and balances

GOVERNMENT CHECK BALANCE.

cheerleader

(2h)[A], POs ><, FOs away, both hands are moved to NDS and shake imaginary pom-poms, then move to the DS and do the same.

cheese

(2h)[5], DPO down, NDPO up, DH twists from side to side while maintaining contact at bottom of palm.

cheeseburger

CHEESE HAMBURGER.

cheetah

(South African sign) [1], PO down, touches bridge of nose and move diagonally down the DS of face.

chemical

(2h)[C], POs away, FOs up, alt. circle vertically perpendicular to the chest, as if pouring chemicals.

chemical equation

CHEMICAL EQUAL(x1) SENTENCE.

chemical reaction

CHEMICAL R-ANSWER.

chemistry

(2h)[C], POs away, FOs up, alt. circle vertically perpendicular to the chest, as if pouring chemicals.

cherem

(2h)#ALL JEW REJECT (THAT PERSON).

cherry

(1) [V], FO down, fits ear into its slot twice. (2) [O^] twists FT against FT of index finger, then middle finger of [V], PO down.

cherub (pl. cherubim)

(1) ANGEL CLOSE-TO GOD. (2) C-ANGEL.

cherut

(1) FREE + [W], PO away, FO up, is struck against [B], PO > DS, FO up. (2) FREE WANT. (3) FREE W-I-L-L.

chesed

KIND = (2h)[B], POs > signer, FOs ><, DH revolves around NDH.

chest of drawers

(2h)[5:] pull(s) out drawer, and HS closes to [S]. This is done several times while descending to show multiple drawers.

chevrah kadisha

FUNERAL SOCIETY.

chew

(2h)[A], NDHPO up, DHPO down, hands rub against each other in opposite directions while teeth are gnashed together.

chi,

Cross index fingers, FOs up at an angle to resemble letter.

chicken

(1) [L], PO away, FO up, is held against mouth and closes 2x to [bO]. (2) [L], PO away, FO up, is held against mouth and closes 2x to [bO] + FT of [V:] scratch 2x at palm of [B], PO up, FO away.

chickenpox

CHICKEN + (2h)[5:], POs > respective cheeks, FOs up, peck at cheeks (don't really touch) while moving upwards to show pock marks.

child care

(1) C-H-I-L-D SUPERVISE. (2) C-H-I-L-D TAKE-CARE-OF, where the second sign is (2h)[K], POs down, FOs away, are crossed at wrists and move vertically perpendicular to the chest.

childhood

GROW-UP TIME-PERIOD, where TIME-PERIOD = T-HOUR.

Children of Israel

Don't sign CHILDREN O-F ISRAEL! Better, (1) JEWISH PEOPLE. (2) (2h)#ALL JEWISH PEOPLE.

Chile

[horns], PO down, wipes across chin > DS, then shakes itself off. 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.

chill

COLD + teeth chatter.

chimney

FIRE + (2h)[C], POs ><, FOs away, rise to show outline.

chimpanzee

The signer mimics a monkey scratching itself For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - chimpanzee.

China

(1) (2h)[1], POs ><, FOs up, crossed at midfinger, wg while moving down. (2) [bO] traces across chest from NDS to DS and then descends. (< Mao jacket.) For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - China. 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.

(Happy) Chinese New Year(!)

Clasp NDH over DH [S], FOs up, and shake the hands forward and back while bowing head and closing eyes momentarily. "Congratulations on your impending good fortune!" is the actual greeting for Chinese New Year. This sign is also the (Chinese) hearing gesture that accompanies it.

chip

(2h)[G], POs ><, touch FTs and move away while closing several times to indicate a small square.

chip select

C-S.

chiropractic

C-MAKE.

chiropractor

C-MAKE AAGENT.

chiuv

RESPONSIBLE.

chlamydia

C-H-L-A-M-Y-D-I-A.

chlorine

~ (as a free gas)
C-L TWO'subscripted'. This is one of the "six diatomics" and when it's name is mentioned in a free state (which is a gas), the interpreter should sign this, rather than its chemical abbreviation.

~ (chemical abbreviation)

C-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.

chloro-fluro-carbons

C-F-C.

chloroplast

C-H-L.

Chochamot

WISE WRITE IN BIBLE (not JESUS~BOOK!).

choir

(1) MUSIC GROUP. (2) C-MUSIC.

choke

~ (on something inside the throat)
DH [C] grabs the throat.

~ (someone else)

DH [C] grabs the throat, then hands chokes imaginary throat in front of signer.

cholesterol

C-H-O-L-E-S-T-R-O-L.

Chol haMoed

FESTIVAL BETWEEN DAY.

chondrite

STONE + 5^-CL'diagonal, wavy descent'.

chondrules

GLASS + (2h)alt.F-CL'bits of rock'.

chop

(2h)[B], DPO > NDS, DFO away, NDPO up, NDFO away. DH chops at palm of NDH while moving > DS.

chopsticks

[V], PO down, FO away, is brought to mouth while closing to [U].

chov, chovah

RESPONSIBLE.

Christ

(1) C-KING. For an animated gif of this sign, see Animated dictionary of religious signs - Deaf Missions: Christ (2) DH signs C-KING and NDH [B], PO up, FT > heaven is held up high. For an animated gif of this sign, see Animated dictionary of religious signs - Deaf Missions: Christ

christen, christening

BABY (or C-H-I-L-D, whichever applies) + BAPTIZE.

Christian

(1) (More evangelical) JESUS AGENT. For an animated gif of this sign, see Animated dictionary of religious signs - Deaf Missions: Christian. (2) (Most denominations) CHRIST AGENT. For an animated gif of this sign, see Animated dictionary of religious signs - Deaf Missions: Christian.

Christian Brother

(2h)[L:] trace the outline of the stole down the sides of the chest 2x.

Christian Science (or Church of Christ, Scientist)

(1) C-S. (2) CHRISTIAN SCIENCE (used, but not conceptually correct).

Christmas

(1) [C], PO down, supinates. (2) [C] traces out an upward arc like the top of a wreath. (< Christmas wreath.) (3) (2h)[C], POs > signer are held under the ears, descend and meet, tracing out Santa's beard. (< Santa's beard.) (4) CHRIST CELEBRATE.

Christopher Street (New York City)

C-KING STREET.

chroma

C-H-R-O-M-A.

chromatic aberration

FOCUS DEPEND COLOR. Where FOCUS is (2h)[C] are held like a tube and both twist in order to focus.

chromatid

DH [bO], FO up, touches FT of [O], FO up. DH moves away while opening into an [L] and then closing back into a [bO].

chromatograph

COLOR GRAPH.

chromium

C-R. For more information on this and other elements, see The elements. And for fun, listen to Tom Lehrer singing the "Song of the elements" at Flashimation.

chromosome

(2h)[C], POs ><, FOs away, DH spirals > DS.

chromosphere

COLOR SPHERE, where the second sign is (2h)[5:], POs down, FOs away, DH is placed over NDH, and the (2h) supinate as the describe a sphere, ending with POs up and still overlapping with DH now on top.

chronic

SICK'over time', that is the sign SICK repeatedly moves in circles, first rushing towards body, then withdrawing slowly.

chug (a drink)

NDH [C], holds container to mouth with head tilted back and mouth wide open, while DH [5], PO > mouth, wiggles straight fingers and brings them to mouth as if the liquid were rippling towards the mouth.

chuppah

(1) (2h)[B^], POs away, are held together above head and separate + (2h)[S], POs ><, FO away, move down to show poles further away, then arc towards signer and descend again to show poles closer to signer. (2) WEDDING + (2h)[B], touch FTs above head and are held stationary. (3) (2h)[B], FOs ><, move forward over head + (2h)[F] POs ><, FO away, move down to show poles further away, then arc towards signer and descend again to show poles closer to signer.

church

[C] taps thumb on top of NDH [S], PO down.For an animated gif of this sign, see Animated dictionary of religious signs - Deaf Missions: Church.

Church of Christ

(1) CHURCH(1x) CHRIST. (2) C-C.

Church of Christ, Scientist (Christian Science)

(1) C-S. (2) CHRISTIAN SCIENCE (used, but not conceptually correct).

Church of God

CHURCH(1x) GOD.

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Mormon)

(1)L-D-S. (2) [M] strokes "beard" at cheek.

cigar

~
(1) Knuckle of [R] is held at corner of mouth. (2) [S] is held at corner of mouth, moves out while opening to a [C], and further out while closing back to an [S]. (3) [F] or [O] holds imaginary cigar at mouth and moves away.

smoke ~

Any of the above signs for CIGAR with NDS of mouth making puffing motions.

cigarette

~
(1) FT of [horns] tap against [1], PO > DS, FO away. (2) [U] is held at corner of mouth and moves in slight to and fro movement.

smoke ~

[U] is held at corner of mouth and moves in large to and fro movement.

cilia

[4], PO > signer, rests knuckles against thumbside of [Bb], PO > DS, FO up, and DS FT flutter.

cinch

SNAP-FINGER. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - cinch.

circle

Draw circle with FT of [1] or [bC].

circle star (Math)

CIRCLE STAR.

circuit

(2h)[I], POs towards, FOs ><, pinkies touch and draw rectangle.

circuit board

(2h)[I], POs towards, FOs ><, pinkies touch and draw rectangle + WALL.

circuit breaker

CIRCUIT + (2h)[I], POs > signer, FOs ><, touch FTs, then move upwards and separate like the movement of BREAK. Both signs should flow easily from one another

circular mil

C-M-I-L.

circulate, circulation

~ (blood)
BLOOD, (2h)[5] wg FT while hands circulate around each other.For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - circulate.

~ (money)

(2h)[O^], POs ><, FOs away, revolve around each other vertically.

circumcise, circumcision

(1) (2h)[A dot], POs down, DHFT circles NDHFT as if cutting off foreskin. (2) POs down, DH [A dot] circles NDH [1] FT as if cutting off foreskin. (3) Either (1) or (2) with DELETE at the end. DELETE = Flick thumb against index finger and move hand upwards as if flicking something away. (4) DH [V] cuts at tip of NDH [1].

circumference

[1], starts at tip of [bC], PO > DS, FO up, and circles the outline of [bC].

citizen's band (radio)

C-B.

civilization

C-I-V-I-L-I-Z-A-T-I-O-N.

civil service

(1) C-I-V-I-L SERVICE. (2) C-S.

claim (as in "he claimed to be related to Einstein")

(1, neutral) PROPOSE TRUTH. (2, pejorative) INDEX-claimant PROPOSE TRUTH, ME"shake head".

clam

(2h)[B^], FO away, are held like a closed clam shell, then open twice.

clamp

~ (n)
DH [H dot] already surrounds NDH [Bb], FOs away, POs down, and DH clamps down on NDH 2x.

~ (v)

DH [H dot], NDH [Bb], FOs away, POs down; DH clamps down on NDH 1x.

C-Language

"C" LANGUAGE.

classical

~ (conditioning)
C-L-A-S-S-I-C-A-L.

~ (literature)

(<) GREECE, (>) ROME, POSS.

~ (music)

[5], PO > NDS, FO up, brushes up chest several times. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - classical.

classified

[A dot], PO > NDS< FO up, strikes mouth once and sticks. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - classified.

Claus, Santa

(2h)[C] touch sides of jaw and come together like outline of beard.

clause

~
(2h)[bO], POs away FOs up, both hands twist as if they are drawing commas in space.

independent (~)

I-FREE.

dependent (~)

DEPEND+.

clean

~ (adj)
(2h)[B], palm of DH rubs across upturned palm of NDH once.

~ (a singular object)

(2h)[B], FOs away, DH rubs across upturned palm of NDH multiple times.

~ (multiple objects)

(2h)[B], FOs away, DH rubs across upturned palm of NDH multiple times while moving around to show several objects are involved.

~ up

CLEAN (singular or multiple) U-P.

clear

~ (able to see or understand, as in "~ day" or "~ theory")
(2h)[O^], POs away, FOs up, separate while opening to (2h)[5].

~ (transparent, as in "a ~ soup")

DH [V], PO down, FO away, moves towards NDH [5], PO towards, FO > DS, and the DH FT pass between the NDH index finger and middle finger as if the eye could see through this material.

~ (all unwanted elements gone, as in "a ~ valley")

CLEAN.

~ (v, as in "to ~ a forest of trees")

Little finger edge of [B] scraps at an angle, like a plow, against palm of [B], PO up, FO away.

clearance

[B] moves to and fro between the thumb and fingers of [C], PO up, FO away.

clear to send

C-T-S.

Clerc, Laurent

The two fingers of [H dot] brush against the cheek while the hand remains. (< a scar he received in childhood.)

clergy

(1) PRIEST DEACON GROUP. (2) PRIEST GROUP.

click (on an icon or link, computers)

center-~
CENTER + [X] clicks on palm of ND [B] as if it were a key.

double-~

[X] clicks twice on palm of ND [B] as if it were a key.

left-~

LEFT + [X] clicks on palm of ND [B] as if it were a key.

right-~

RIGHT + [X] clicks on palm of ND [B] as if it were a key.

single-~

[X] clicks on palm of ND [B] as if it were a key.

client

(2h)[C], FOs away, hands run down respective sides of the body. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - client.

client centered

(1) CLIENT ATTENTION. (2) CLIENT PERSPECTIVE.

climax

(2h)[1] or [Bb], POs ><, FOs up, approach each other diagonally as they ascend and then touch FTs.

clinic, clinical

Thumb of [C] draws a cross on the ND upper arm.

clique

[5], PO down, FO away, moves in a circle parallel to floow while being held very high.

clitoris

Form VAGINA, but with the NDH thumb touching the root of the DH thumb; wiggle the DH thumb.

clock

~ (n)
TIME + (2h)[bC], POs ><, FOs up, show rim of the clock.

~ (computers)

[1] circles rim of [bC] or [C], PO away, FO up.

~ (v, as in "to ~ a process")

MEASURE TIME.

clock in

[S] stamps its small finger side against the palm of NDH [B] + ENTER.

clock out

[S] stamps its small finger side against the palm of NDH [B] + [5], PO > signer, FO up, moves away while closing to [O^].

clocks per instruction

C-P-I.

clockwise

C-W.

clog, clogged

DH [B] is placed against thumbside of [S], PO down, FO away, while NDS cheek puff up, as if a conduit became clogged.

close (general)

(2h)[Bb], POs up, FOs away, are held at some distance and pronate at wrists so that their POs are down and the index fingersides touch. This sign is very dependent on what the physical act of closing looks like. Try to visualize what the closing process looks like for what you are trying to express in ASL. See if any of the examples at "open" are like the process you need and do the opposite to mean "close".

close call (almost happened)

BY-A-HAIR, that is, [F] pulls away sharply at hair with cs.

closed (stage position)

(1) [1], PO > signer, FO up, pronates PO to face away from signer. (2) [B], FOs > signer, are held at their respective sides and move diagonally > signer until their FTs touch.

closed captioned, closed captioning

(1) C-C. (2) CLOSE CAPTIONED.

closed circuit

C-C.

closed circuit television

C-C-T-V.

closeted, closet case, or closet queen

DH [1:] taps lower part of curled finger on thumb of [C], PO >DS with teeth gritted (zz).

A Gay or Bi person who attempts to hide their sexual preference.

close up

(1) (2h)[B], POs > signer, FOs ><, NDH is held at waist level and DH moves close to it from signer, similar to ARRIVE. (2) [B], PO > face, FO up, rushes to face.

close vision interpreting, close visual interpreting

(1) CLOSE VISION INTERPRET. (2) C-V INTERPRET.

closing (of a play)

(1) LAST. (2) (2h)[4], POs away, FOs up, sides come together like closing curtains.

closure (Math)

CLOSE.

clothes

~
(2h)[5], POs down, FOs away, rub thumbs down upper chest together 2x.

put on ~

(2h)[5], POs down, FOs away, alt. rub thumbs down upper chest.

cloud

(2h)[5], POs ><, FOs up, describe a sphere with wg.

cloudy

(2h)[O^], POs away, FOs up, open to (2h)[5], while crossing and DH grazes NDH from behind.

Cloud(s) of Glory

(2h)[5], POs ><, FOs up, describe a sphere with wg + SHOW HIS-rt GLORY.

Clubs (cards)

~ (suit)
(1) NDH [B], PO up, FO away, DH [5:], PO down, FO away, strikes the NDH palm at the corners of a triangle. (< the symbol for clubs which joins three circles in a pyramid.) (2) C-L-U-B-S.

"One of ~" . . . "Ace of ~"

ONE (with PO away) + CLUBS (as described above), and so on for the numbers. After "10", sign "J" for "Jack", "Q" for "Queen", "K" for "King", and "A" for "Ace". The number or letter can be shown on the NDH and the DH can fingerspell C-L-U-B-S.

cluster method

(2h)5:-CL'cluster together' + M-WAY.

clutch

~
(2h)[B], POs away, FOs up, left hand moves diagonally down twice with small movement, as if stepping on a clutch.

engage the ~

(2h)[B], POs away, FOs up, left hand moves diagonally down with effort, as if stepping on a clutch.

CNO cycle

C-N-O CYCLE, where the second sign is (2h)[1], POs towards, FOs ><. FT touch, DH moves away then towards in vertical circle, until FT touch again.

CN Tower (Toronto)

[Middle finger extended for apex of tower], PO > back, FO up, rests elbow against NDH [B], PO down, FO > DS.

coach

(1) [C], FO up, taps thumb on shoulder twice. (2) FT of [5:] taps shoulder. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - coach. (3) C-O-A-C-H.

coalition

(2h)[C dot] interlink FT and move in a horizontal circle.

coarse

FT of [5:] scratch up palm of [5], PO up, FO away. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - coarse.

coat

(2h)[A dot] trace outline of lapels down chest while separating. Can use FTs of (2h)[B] to show the length of the coat.

cobalt

C-O. For more information on this and other elements, see The elements. And for fun, listen to Tom Lehrer singing the "Song of the elements" at Flashimation.

Coca Cola

[L] holds index finger to bicep and wiggles thumb.

cocaine

(1) Thumb of [A dot] touches print side to NDS nostril (as if snorting), then DS. (1) Thumb of [A dot] shuttles between NDS and DS nostril (as if snorting).

co-captain (sports)

C-O + FT of [5:] taps shoulder.

cochlear implant

~ (n)
(1) [V:] strikes FT twice against skin behind ear in a small movement compared to the verb. To see a series of stills for this sign, see "cochlear implant" ASL American Sign Language. (2) FT of [C] and then those of [I] strike behind ear. (3) C-I.

to implant a ~ (v)

[V:] strikes FT against skin behind ear in a large movement compared to the noun.

cockroach

(2h)[5], cross hands and touch nose with thumbs while wiggling fingers.

cocktail

[bC] taps thumb against lip twice.

coconut

A coconut is shaken by the side of the head as if listening to the sound of the milky liquid inside the shell. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - coconut.

code

~ (n)
C-O-D-E.

~ (v, write ~)

WRITE (C-O-D-E).

code of ethics

C,E-LAW, that is, [C], PO away, FO up, touches upper palm of [B], PO > DS, then changes to an [E] and touches lower palm.

codicil

PARAGRAPH ADD-TO W-I-L-L.

coding

~ (n)
C-O-D-E.

~ (v)

>WRITE (C-O-D-E).

co-dominance

BOTH + (2h)[A], FOs away, DH starts below NDH and arcs around it until it is on top.

coefficient

C-O-E-F-F.

coefficient of coupling

"K".

coefficient of kinetic friction (_k)

Draw mu in air + K'subscripted'.

coefficient of static friction (_s)

Draw mu in air + S'subscripted'.

coefficient of viscosity

(1) Draw a lowercase eta () in the air. (2) C-O-E-F-F THICK, where the second sign is

co-executor

C-O CONTROL AGENT.

coffee

(2h)[S], POs ><, FOs away, DH circles on top of NDH as if grinding.

Cogswell, Alice

A taps thumb against the DS of the chin. The daughter of Dr. Mason F. Cogswell, whose need for a Deaf education lead to the founding of the American School for the Deaf, then known as the Connecticut Asylum for the Instruction of Deaf and Dumb Persons.

Cogswell, Mason F.

[C], PO away, touches DS temple and then DS chin. Father of Alice Cogswell and one of the first School Board members for the American School for the Deaf, then known as the Connecticut Asylum for the Instruction of Deaf and Dumb Persons.

cohen (pl. cohanim)

The hands are held with thumbs touching, POs face away from signer, and the fingers are held together but split between the middle and ring fingers, like Mr. Spock on Star Trek (Leonard Nemoy is a cohen and got the gesture from this one which is used to bless the people during holidays).

Cohen Gadol

COHEN ADVANCED. ADVANCED = (2h)[B^], POs ><, FOs up, arc > signer a bit then move up in a definite movement.

cohesion

(2h)[open 8], POs up, FOs away, both hands descend suddenly while closing to (2h)[8] + (2h)[C], POs ><, FOs away, rush together but stop short of actually touching.

coil spring

(1) (2h)[I], POs > signer, start with FTs close, then DH spirals away. (2) NDH [I], PO > signer, FO > DS, stays in place while DH [G] spirals away tracing the coil.

coincide (geometry)

OCCUPY SAME PLACE, where the first sign is (2h)[5:], POs down, FOs away, hands move down and quickly grasp the air, closing to (2h)[S].

coincidence

REASON HAPPEN? NOTHING-TO-IT.

coitus

(1) (2h)[V], POs ><, FOs away, DH bounces on top of NDH. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - intercourse. (2) [S] is held in FS position and twists to [X], PO towards. (3) Thumbside of [X] touches temple and then chin. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - sex. (4) [1] is inserted repeatedly into hole of [S] on thumbside.

coitus interruptus

[1] is withdrawn from inside [S], DH closes to an [S] and then moves forward while opening to a [5].

Cokely, Dennis

[D] touches NDS of forehead, then DS.

cold (illness)

The right "A" hand grabs down the nose a few times as if imitating wiping the nose.

cold start (computers)

COLD START.

collaborate

(2h)alt.AGREE COOPERATE.

collapsar

STAR + [2h)[B], POs away, FOs up, close to (2h)[O], like the sign FLAT-TIRE.

collate

(2h)[B], held at angle slanting > DS, NDH stays in place while DH, hops > DS, keeping the same slant. Repeat sign moving hands closer to body.

collect (n)

PRAY.

collection

COLLECT MONEY.

collector (transistor)

"C".

collide, collision

(2h)[5:], POs > signer, FOs ><, collide with each other and close to (2h)[A]. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - collision.

collude, collusion

(1) SECRET PLAN. (2) HIDE AGREE. (3) (2h)[G], one placed near the signer's eye, the other placed at the eye of the person one is conspiring with, and the DS eye and both hands blink to show a secret agreement.

Colombia

(1) DH [C], PO down, FO > NDS, brushes away from signer 2x with heel of palm on [A], PO down, FO >DS.(2) Thumb of [C], PO > NDS, FO away, touches forehead and moves out while changing FO to up. (3) [C], PO away, FO up, touches elbow to NDH [B], PO down, FO > DS and DH twists. 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.

Colombian Gold (marijuana)

(1) Thumb of [C] is tapped against temple + GOLD. (2) C-G.

colonialism

FOREIGN GOVERNMENT TAKE-HOLD-OF"each", where the last sign is (2h)[5:] rush down, close to (2h)[S] travelling from left to right with tl.

colonialist(s)

FOREIGN TAKE-OVER, SUPPORT+, where the second sign is (2h)[5:] rush down, close to (2h)[S], and pull up abruptly.

colonist(s, neutral)

TAKE-HOLD-OF PERSON/PEOPLE, where the first sign is (2h)[5], POs down, FTs > away, and both hands descend.

colonist(s, more negative and perhaps more realistic)

FOREIGN PERSON/PEOPLE TAKE-OVER, where the last sign is (2h)[5:] rush down, close to (2h)[S], and pull up abruptly with zz.

colonize (neutral)

FOREIGN PEOPLE TAKE-HOLD-OF, where the last sign is (2h)[5:] rush down, close to (2h)[S] with tl.

colonize (more negative and perhaps more realistic)

FOREIGN PEOPLE TAKE-OVER, where the last sign is (2h)[5:] rush down, close to (2h)[S], and pull up abruptly with zz.

Colonomos, Betty

FT of [B], PO > signer, run down chin and the thumbside of B touches chin.

colony

PLACE TAKE-OVER, where the first sign is (2h)[5:] rush down, close to (2h)[S], and pull up abruptly.

color

[5], PO > signer, FO up, drums FT against chin.

color graphics adapter

C-G-A.

Colossians (Πρὸς Κολοσσαεῖς)

C-O-L.

column

~ (3-D)
(1) (2h)C-CL moves upwards to show the edges of the pillar. If the perspective of the viewer is mid-range, use (2h)F-CL; if long-range, use (2h)G-CL or (2h)1-CL (2) [S] plants its elbow firmly on back of [B] and then NDH [C], PO > DS moves up the arm of [S] which remained in place. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - pillar.

~ (2-D, as in the column in a grid)

[bC], PO away, FO > DS, move down vertically to show column.

column-address strobe

C-A-S.

coma (comet)

NUCLEUS CLOUD, that is, N-CENTER + (2h)5wg-CL'cloud'.

combination (Math)

MATCH, that is, (2h)[5], POs towards, FOs ><, hands interlock FT.

combinatories (Math)

FUNCTION MATCH"each". Note: MATCH = (2h)[5], POs towards, FOs ><, hands interlock FT.

combustion

BURN.

comedy

(1) FUNNY, that is, FT of [H], PO > signer, FT up, stroke the tip of the nose while bending. (2) (2h)FUNNY, where the NDH is held lower but has the same symmetric HS and movement. (3) (2h)[N], POs ><, FOs up, DH is held higher and brushes against nose as it move 2x > NDS, and NDH is held lower but has the same symmetric HS and movement. (4) (2h)[C], POs ><, FOs up, thumbs start at corners of mouth and trace a smile.

comet

NDH [S], PO > DS, FO UP, moves > DS with DH [5wg] pressing its back hand to the ND back hand and acting as the tail of a comet.

comfort (v)

COMFORTABLE.

(the) Comforter

(1) COMFORT AGENT. (2) HOLY SPIRIT.

command (general, even computers and religion)

(1)(2h)[1], POs away, FOs up, DH FT held against or close to mouth, NDH is held a little lower and on its side; both hands move slightly > DS, then suddenly zag > NDS.

commandment

C-LAW. For an animated gif of this sign, see Animated dictionary of religious signs - Deaf Missions: Commandments.

command status register

C-S-R.

commencement

[O^], PO down, moves imaginary tassel of mortarboard from right front corner to left front corner.

comment

~ (computers)
SAY WRITE

~ (general)

STORY.

commercial

~ (adj)
business.

~ (n)

ADVERTISE.

committed information rate

C-I-R.

common

~ (easily found)
~
EVERYDAY.
~ (shared, as in "in ~")
~
SHARE.

common base configuration

C-B.

common collector

C-C.

common emitter

C-E.

common ion

SHARE I-O-N.

common stock

REGULAR S-T-O-C-K.

communicable disease

(1) SICK, DH 5, PO > signer, FO away, moves towards NDH and touches it with thumbside of hand while closing to an [8] + CAN. (2) SICK, SPREAD CAN. (3) "I" SPREAD, SICK. (4) SICK, GIVE"each" CAN.

communicant

[F], PO facing signer, makes the sign of the cross at the mouth + AGENT.

communication

(2h)[C], POs ><, FOs up, alt. move away and towards the chin.

Communion

~ (Orthodox Catholic)
NDH [C] is positioned as if holding a chalice. DH [H] moves as if spooning wine from the chalice.(< the Orthodox Catholic method of dispensing communion wine.)

~ (Protestant)

(1) WINE~BREAD. (< food used during communion.) For an animated gif of this sign, see Animated dictionary of religious signs - Deaf Missions: Communion. (2) LORD EAT++. (< the expression "the Lord's Supper".)

~ (Roman Catholic and High Church)

[F], PO facing signer, makes the sign of the cross at the mouth. For an animated gif of this sign, see Animated dictionary of religious signs - Deaf Missions: Communion.

communion of Saints

(1) COOPERATE S-CLEAN. (2) U-WORLD HOLY PEOPLE.

communism

[1], PO > NDS, FO up, taps thumb of [C], PO > DS, FO up.

community

(1) (2h)[B], FTs up, tap FTs while circling horizontally. (2) (2h)[B], brush FTs back and forth while pointing upwards at an angle and circling horizontally.

community acquired disease

SICK WHY? INTERACT PEOPLE, DH 5, PO > signer, FO away, moves towards NDH and touches it with thumbside of hand while closing to an [8].

community chest

COMMUNITY C-H-E-S-T.

community organization

~ (agency)
COMMUNITY O-GROUP.

~ (plan)

COMMUNITY PLAN(n).

commutative (property, Math)

(2h)[O^], POs down, FOs away, are held on their respective sides in neutral space, then exchange positions.

compact disk

~
C-D.

~ - interactive

C-D-I.

~ - read only memory

C-D-R-O-M.

company

C-O.

compare and contrast

(2h)[B^], FOs up, alt. turn palms > signer and away + OPPOSITE, where the second sign is (2h)[1], POs > signer, FTs point to each other and then separate in upward arcs .

compartment (as in "engine ~")

ROOM.

compass

~ (for drawing circles)
[P], PO down, twists on [B], PO up, pivoting on middle finger.

~ (for navigation)

[5], PO away, rushes backwards to [B], PO away, and DH closes to [O^] while sticking + METER.

compassion, compassionate

(1) KIND = (2h)[B], POs > signer, FOs ><, DH revolves around NDH. (< wrapping a bandage as an act of kindness.) (2) PITY. Note: Some people avoid the sign PITY, believing it to be negative.

compatible

(1) (2h)[5:], POs > signer, NDH is still while DH interlaces FTs with it. (2) FIT, that is, (2h)[5:], POs > signer, move together and interlace fingers, once or twice. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - compatible.

compatibility

(2h)[5:], POs > signer, NDH is still while DH interlaces FTs with it + CAN.

compete, competition

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

competency (legal)

ENOUGH SKILL.

competent

~ (general)
ENOUGH SKILL HAVE.

~ (legal)

POSSIBLE UNDERSTAND.

competitive, gainful employment

WORK, GOOD MONEY.

compilation

~ (computers)
(2h)[C], touch thumb tips and twist in opposing directions.

~ (general)

COLLECTwg.

compile

~ (computers)
(2h)[C], touch thumb tips and twist in opposing directions.

~ (general)

COLLECTwg.

compiler

(2h)[C], touch thumb tips and twist in opposing directions (+ MACHINE).

complement (math, geometry)

C-O-M-P.

complementary binary

C-B-I.

complementary metal-oxide semiconductor

C-M-O-S.

complex (number)

COMPLICATED.

complex instruction set computer

C-I-S-C.

complicated

(2h)[1], POs down, FOs ><, hands approach and pass one another while wiggling.

complications (medical)

LEAD(-TO) OTHER PROBLEM.

complimentary strands

LINE is produced at NDS, then at DS + MATCH.

component

~
PART.

~s

PART"each".

composite rate of return (business)

C-R-R.

composition

~ (fine arts)
gloss.

~ (writing)

[C], PO > ND palm, touches FT end of NDH [B], PO up, FO away, and then wrist end.

compound (chemistry)

ELEMENT CONNECT. To represent elements and compounds, use a chart of element symbols to abbreviate the names of elements; similarly, use the chemical formula for a compound to abbreviate it, when known. See Abbreviations for the elements. And for fun, listen to Tom Lehrer singing the "Song of the elements" at Flashimation.

compound amount factor (business)

C-A-F.

comprehend, comprehension

THINK + DH [1] pierces between the fingers of NDH [B], PO > signer, FO up.

compress, compression (general)

(2h)[5], POs ><, FOs away, are brought together from their respective sides while changing to (2h)[5:].

compression, compressor (automotive)

Palm of [5:] taps repeatedly against top of [S], PO > DS, FO away.

compromise

(1) AGREE. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - compromise. (2) AGREE, but first DH descends, then NDH descends. (3) AGREE, but the final HSs are [2], as if each side gave in half-way.

compulsory (dive)

HAVE-TO.

computer

(1) [C], PO > NDS, taps thumb against temple. (2a) [C] touches thumb to wrist and then shoulder. (2b) [C] sweeps back and forth along the ND arm from elbow to wrist. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - computer. (3) (2h)[3:], POs away, twist symmetrically away from each other. (4) (2h)[1], FOs away, circle symmetrically or antisymmetrically. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - cassette tape. (5) (2h)[open 8], FOs away, circle symmetrically or antisymmetrically.

computer aided/assisted

~ design
C-A-D.

~ design and analysis

C-A-D-A.

~ design and development

C-A-D-D.

~ engineering

C-A-E.

~ instruction

C-A-I.

~ manufacture/manufacturing

C-A-M.

~ software engineering

C-A-S-E.

con

[A], PO down, knocks once at [1], PO away, FO up. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - con.

con-artist

[A], PO down, knocks once at [1], PO away, FO up + AGENT. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - con-artist.

concatenate, concatenation

~ (two units)
(2h)[bC], POs away, tap thumbs together.

~ (more than two units)

(2h)[bC], POs away, tap thumbs together several times while moving > DS.

concave

~ (lens)
See "lens".

~ (function shape)

~ down
~ (for 2-D graph)
DH [1], PO down, FO away, runs side of finger along inside surface of NDH [bC], PO down. Could add INDEX-down.

~ (for 3-D graph)

DH [1], PO down, FO away, runs side of finger along inside surface of NDH [C], PO down. Could add INDEX-down.

~ left

DH [1], PO down, FO away, runs side of finger along inside surface of NDH [bC], PO > left. Could add INDEX-left.

~ right

DH [1], PO down, FO away, runs side of finger along inside surface of NDH [bC], PO > right. Could add THUMB-INDEX-right.

~ up

~ (for 2-D graph)
DH [1], PO down, FO away, runs side of finger along inside surface of NDH [bC], PO up. Could add INDEX-down.

~ (for 3-D graph) DH [1], PO down, FO away, runs side of finger along inside surface of NDH [C], PO up. Could add INDEX-down.

concavity

~ (2D)
DH [1], runs side of finger along inside surface of NDH [bC], PO > DS.

~ (3D)

DH [B], PO down, FO away, surface of palm along inside surface of NDH [C], PO > DS.

conceive

~ (be able to understand all the consequences)
FULL UNDERSTAND + (2h)[5], DPO away, FO up, rubs its palm across palmside of the NDH fingers.

~ (the beginning of pregnancy)

(2h)[5], FOs >< moves towards each other from the sides of the stomach and interlace FTs.

conceived of the Holy Spirit

(1) (2h)[O^], POs ><, DH above NDH, both hands open to [5^]. (2) The sign GET is begun high in space and comes down to the signer as if it were GET-FROM-Heaven.

concentrate

(general)ATTENTION.

~ (chemistry)
(2h)[5:], POs ><, FOs away, come together and close into (2h)[S], but DH is on top of NDH.

concentration (of a substance in solution)

(2h)[1] trace square brackets "[]" in the air which is a symbol for the concentration of a solution.

concentration camp

(1) DEATH C-A-M-P. (2) (2h)[C], rush together as if compressing a group of people + C-A-M-P.

concentration profile (Chemistry)

(2h)[1] trace square brackets "[]" in the air which is a symbol for the concentration of a solution + [1], PO down, FO > NDS, traces signers profile from forehead to chin.

concept

[C] touches temple and moves away.

conception (pregnancy)

(2h)[5], FOs >< moves towards each other from the sides of the stomach and interlace FTs.

Conceptually Accurate Signed English

C-A-S-E.

conclusion

C-END.

concrete

~ (hardened mixture)
[C] tilts as if pouring into [O], PO > DS, FO away.

~ (not abstract)

(2h)[S], POs down, FOs away, DH hits top of NDH from above and then springs back upwards.

concurrent

(1) HAPPEN DURING/PARALLEL.

condemn

BLAME*.

condensation

WET + [5], PO down, FO away, wg while it descends and touches [B], PO down, FO > DS + with NDH remaining in place, point to backhand to indicate it is the liquid that has condensed that is being referred to, not the process.

condensation hypothesis

CONDENSATION HYPOTHESIS, that is, [5], PO down, FO away, wg while it descends and touches [B], PO down, FO > DS + [H] circles temple.

condensation sequence

CONDENSATION PROCESS, that is, [5], PO down, FO away, wg while it descends and touches [B], PO down, FO > DS + [B^], POs down, FOs away, are held side by side and the hands take turns stepping forward. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - procedure.

condense

~ (general)
SUMMARIZE. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - condense.

~ (onto a surface)

WET + [5], PO down, FO away, wg while it descends and touches [B], PO down, FO > DS.

condenser

~ (automotive)
DH [5], PO down, FO away, lowers several times onto NDH [B], PO down, FO away while wiggling DH fingers.

~ (capacitor)

(2h)[C], POs ><, FOs up, tap at wrists twice.

condensing (furnace)

DH [5], PO > signer, FO > NDS, flutters FT while moving towards NDH, [B], PO > signer, FO > DS.

condition

~ (n)
C-SITUATION.

~ (v)

"G".

conditional

~ (general)
(1) DEPEND++. (2) (2h)#IF, that is, (2h)[I] wiggles fingers so that the HS oscillates between (2h)[I] and (2h)[F].

~ (grammar, ASL linguistics)

C-O-N-D.

conditioned

CONDITIONING + LEARN-LESSON, where the second sign is [O^], touches FTs to forehead.

conditioning

[C], PO away, FO up, rest on wrist of [S], PO down, FO away, and both descend together.

condom

(1) [X] rubs thumbside against DS cheek, then rings NDH [1], PO > DS, FO up, like a horseshoe on a stake. (2) [X] rubs thumbside against DS cheek, then (2h)[A], POs ><, FOs away, pull condom down over imaginary penis.

conduct (electricity or heat)

(1) ALLOW (ELECTRICITY, HEAT) FLOW. (2) (ELECTRICITY, HEAT) CARRY is executed in small hops in the direction of flow.

conductance

"G".

conduction

CARRY is executed in small hops in the direction of flow.

conductor

~ (of a musical group)
FT of (2h)[1] moves as if conducting an orchestra. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - orchestra.

~ (of electricity or heat)

(1) MATERIAL ALLOW ELECTRICITY (or HEAT) FLOW, where MATERIAL is (2h)[bO], POs up, FOs away, are held in together in place while thumbs rub against FTs. (2) C-O-N-D-U-C-T-O-R.

cone

~
Show double cones joined at tips with (2h)[S] expanding upwards to (2h)[C], (2h)[S] expanding downwards to (2h)[C].

slicing the ~ parallel to its base

Show double cones joined at tips with (2h)[S] expanding upwards to (2h)[C], (2h)[S] expanding downwards to (2h)[C], and slice through cone with DH, parallel to the floor.

confess

(2h)[5], FOs down, put FTs on stomach, draw FTs up chest, rotate wrists so that POs up. (2) EXPRESS.

confessional

(2h)[5], FOs down, put FTs on stomach, draw FTs up chest, and without pausing lay DH in the palm of NDH with fingers crossing, PO > signer like the sign PRISON. (< screen in the confessional booth.)

confidentiality

[C] is held at mouth and closes to an [S].

configuration, configure

C-O-N-F-I-G.

confined space

(2h)[S], hold wrists together, NDPO up, DPO down, and POs are exchanges with wrists still touching.

confirm, confirmation

~ (Catholic laity)
Slap DS cheek lightly and then make the sign of the cross on the forehead with the FT of [A dot] or vice versa. (< old ceremony of a light slap and then the laying on of hands.)

~ (Catholic and High Church clergy or laity)

Make the sign of the cross on the forehead with FT of [A dot] and both [B] hands are extended in blessing.

~ (Protestant laity)

DH [B], touches top of head and then NDH [S], PO down, held in neutral space. (< blessing the head of the confirm and in front of the priest or minister.)

~ (Protestant or Jewish clergy)

Hands are placed on head in a sign of blessing.

conflict

(2h)[1], POs > signer, FOs ><, approach each other until FTs cross up to the knuckle.

conflicted

INSIDE-SELF CONFLICT++.

conflict resolution

CONFLICT SOLVE.

confront

(2h)[B], start with FOs away, DPO down, NDPO up, hands move away together, then circle back slightly and end with FOs up.

congenital

BORN WITH.

congenital deafness

BORN DEAF.

congested (nasal)

Trace FTs of index fingers along respective sides of nose to indicate sinuses + FULL*.

Congo

[C], PO > NDS, FO up, circles temple and then touches. 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.

congregate

(1) (2h)[S>5wg], POs down move > one another. (2) Same as (1) + TOGETHER.

congregation

(1) (2h)5:-CL'congregation seated and facing signer'. (2) (2h)5:-CL'congregation seated and seen from behind'. (3) (Jehovah's Witness - used instead of "church") C-SET-UP.

Congregationalism

C-APPOINTMENT.

Congress

C-MEMBER.

congruent

[W], PO towards, FO > NDS, moves > DS, from the notation of the triple bar equality sign.

conic sections

C-O-N-E + DH [B] slices several times against thumb side of NDH [C], PO > DS, while moving downwards.

conjugate axis

C-O-N-J-U-G-A-T-E A-X-I-S.

conjunction (linguistics)

C-O-N-J.

connect

(2h)[5] approach each other and interlink by forming (2h)[F].

connecting rod

(1) CONNECT R-O-D. CL: DH [S] is held high and NDH rubs against forearm, the idea being that the fist is the piston head.

connector

(2h)[F] are interlocked and fingers and thumbs tap against one another.

conquer

(2h)[S], POs down, FOs away, are held with DH on top of NDH and DH bends back fist and strikes NDH at wrist while fist continues to move down.

conscience

INSIDE-SELF, GUILTY"slow beating".

conscious

AWAKE, KNOW+.

consciousness

[5], PO down, circles above [1], PO) away, FO up + (2h)alt.KNOW.

consecrate

(1) OFFER HOLY. (2) BLESS. (3) MAKE HOLY. (4) BLESS SIGN-OF-THE-CROSS.

conservation of energy

TOTAL ENERGY CHANGE, CAN'T.

conservation of matter

TOTAL MATTER CHANGE, CAN'T.

conservation of momentum

TOTAL "P" CHANGE, CAN'T.

Conservative

~ (Jewish)
(1) C-NICE. (2) "C".

~ (politics)

POLITICS RIGHT POSS.++.

consistency

~ (is it a thick or thin liquid?)
(2h)[O^], POs ><, FOs away; both hands rub thumbs against the adjacent fingers, similar to CASH.

~ (always done consistently)

(1) RIGHT is repeated several times while the hands move forward. (2) HOMOGENOUS, that is, (2h)[Y], PO down, FO away, circle horizontally and antisymmetrically. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - standard.

consistent

RIGHT is repeated several times while the hands move forward.

console

~ (n)
~ (instrument panel)
(2h)bO-CL, PO down, FO away, alt. move switches to and fro + RECT-CL'show panel'.

~ (keyboard)

TYPEWRITER, RECT-CL'show keyboard'.

~ (piano)

PIANO, RECT-CL'show keyboard'.

~ (v)
COMFORT.

consonance (acoustics)

SOUND MESH.

conspiracy, conspire

(1) SECRET PLAN. (2) HIDE AGREE. (3) (2h)[G], one placed near the signer's eye, the other placed at the eye of the person one is conspiring with, and the DS eye and both hands blink to show a secret agreement.

constant

~ (non-varying)
For example "constant velocity" - We could sign V-E-L CONTINUE, but that's not quite the right concept. "Constant" in this context means "doesn't change" not "doesn't stop", so better V-E-L + [B^] (fingers form right angle with palm), PO away, FO up, moves away from signer.

~ (unceasingly)

CONTINUE is moved in a circle. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - constant.

~ (n, math)

(1) WORD + (2h)[Bb], POs down, FOs away, hands are held side by side with NDH held still while DH moves away. (2) VALUE + (2h)[Bb], POs down, FOs away, hands are held side by side with NDH held still while DH moves away.

hold/held ~

STAY.

remain(s) ~

STAY.

constant function

FUNCTION VALUE, (2h)[Bb], POs down, FOs away, hands are held side by side with NDH held still while DH moves away.

Constantinople (Orthodox Catholic)

"C" CITY.

constant velocity joint

C-V J-O-I-N-T.

constant voltage transformer

C-V-T.

constipated

Thumb of [A dot] is inserted up the cavity of [A], FOs away with force and "can't" be removed.

constitution

C-LAW.

constitutional

FOLLOW C-LAW.

construct

~ (general)
BUILD.

~ (draw, as in "~ a circle")

DRAW.

construction

C-BUILD.

construction crew

~ (construction)
(1) BUILD CREW. (2) C-BUILD CREW.

~ (theater)

BUILD CREW.

constructive interference

INTERFER, INCREASE.

consubstantiation

JESUS (<) BODY, (>) BLOOD, GO-TOGETHER (<) HOST, (>) WINE.

consultant

CONSULTING + AGENT.

consulting

(1) [C], PO away, FO up, strikes the back of [B], PO down, closes to a [T] and strikes again. (2) [O^], PO down, brushes against the back of [B], PO down, while opening into [5] several times.

consume

~ (food)
[O^] or [B^] moves past the mouth in a motion similar to pushing food down one's mouth (consuming). Can be (2h). For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - consume.

~ (general)

USE.

consumer

(1) USE AGENT. (2) BUY AGENT.

consumer benchmark

USER (or C-AGENT) B-E-N-C-H-M-A-R-K, and explain, UP-TO-NOW 45 D-A-Y WORK or whatever the benchmark is.

consumer electronics show

C-E-S.

consumption

(1) USE. (2) USE-UP.

contact lenses

[open 8] "touches" NDS eye then DS eye.

contact print

(1) Middle finger of [open 8] touches backhand of [B], PO down, FO away + [L], PO away, FO up, is held well above NDH and descends and strikes palm of [B], PO up, FO away, while closing to [bO]. (2) (2h)[B], FO away, touch FTs on a diagonal and then close (like closing a wallet) + [L], PO away, FO up, is held well above NDH and descends and strikes palm of [B], PO up, FO away, while closing to [bO].

Contact Sign

CONTACT SIGN. CONTACT = (2h)[open 8] touch middle fingers from their respective sides.

contagious

SICK + SPREAD.

container

Use classifiers to show the shape and size of the container.

content

~ (adj)
SATISFIED.

~ (n)

INSIDE.

content addressable memory

C-A-M.

continual

CONTINUE moves in a circle. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - continual.

continuance (of a trial)

POSTPONE. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - postpone.

continuous (function)

CONTINUE SMOOTH.

continuous spectrum

SPECTRUM #ALL-ON-spectrum.

continuum

DH [B], PO > NDS, bends multiple times at wrist from behind NDH [5], PO towards, "showing all the values".

contour

[C], PO away, traces the outline of [B], PO > signer, FO up.

contraception

BECOME-PREGNANT PREVENT, where the first sign is (2h)[5], FOs >< moves towards each other from the sides of the stomach and interlace FTs.

contraceptive

SOMETHING PREVENT BECOME-PREGNANT.

contraceptive foam

B-C, L:-CL'sprays inside vagina'.

contraceptive implants

(1) B-C I-M-P-L-A-N-T. (2) B-C + 1-CL is inserted "into" the body side of the upper arm which is held away from the body with the palm up.

contract

~ (n)
[H] slaps [B], PO up. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - contract.

~ (get smaller)

~ (1D)
(2h)[5], POs ><, FOs away, move closer with a sudden movement.

~ (2D or 3D)(2h)[5:], POs ><, FOs away, come together until DH [S] is held inside of NDH [C] with hup.

~ (a disease)

DH [5], PO > signer, FO away, moves towards NDH and touches it with thumbside of hand while closing to an [8].

contraction

~ (childbirth)
(2h)[5], FO down, are held against the abdomen at their respective sides and then FTs curl to show the contractions.

~ (material)

CONTRACT+.

contractor

CONTRACT + AGENT. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - contract.

contralateral

OPPOSITE SIDE.

contrast

~ (n)
OPPOSITE. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - contrast.

~ (v)

FIND OPPOSITE++-down.

contrition

HUMBLE, SORRY.

control

(2h)[X], POs ><, FOs away, alt. move forward and backward.

controlling idea

IDEA CONTROL.

control program/ monitor

C-P-M.

control read-only memory

C-R-O-M.

control strobe

C-S.

control track

CONTROL T-R-A-C-K.

convection

(2h)[5], POs down, FOs away, move away while wg.

convenient

COMFORTABLE. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - convenient.

convent

CHURCH HOUSE. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - convent.

converge, converging

(2h)[B], POs ><, FOs away, move forward diagonally from their respective side until FTs meet.

conversation, converse

(2h)[1], POs ><, FOs up, alt. move back and forth, striking chin.

conversational monitor system

C-M-S.

conversion

TRANSLATE+, that is, (2h)[1], POs touching, FOs up, DH FO points slightly towards signer, NFO points slightly away. Hands twist 2x so that DH FO points slightly > NDS and NFO points slightly > DS.

convert

~ (from one religion to another)
(1) CHANGE. (2) C-CHANGE.

~ (from one system to another)

TRANSLATE, that is, (2h)[1], POs touching, FOs up, DH FO points slightly towards signer, NFO points slightly away. Hands twist so that DH FO points slightly > NDS and NFO points slightly > DS.

converter

TRANSLATE MACHINE.

convex

See "lens".

conviction

~ (of one's sinfulness)
GUILTY.

~ (of religious truth)

BELIEVE.

convolutions (brain)

[B^] is held at top of head and then moves down across it while waving FTs.

Cook Islands

(2h)[B], POs up, FOs away from signer, move away + (2h)[F], POs down, FOs away from signer, alt. poke down while moving away. [< ship sees islands(?).] 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.

coolant

COOL CHEMICAL, where first sign is (2h)[B], FTs > respective cheeks, and fingers move together with hands static to cool the face.

cool down

COOL + (2h)[5], POs down, FOs away from signer, move downwards.

cooling system

(2h)[B], FTs > respective cheeks, and fingers move together with hands static to cool the face + SYSTEM.

coordinate(s)

~
C-O-O-R-D.

~ system

C-O-O-R-D SYSTEM.

rectangular ~ system (2D)

NDH [L], PO away, FO up. DH shakes "X" at thumb and "Y" at index finger. Note: One can sign R-E-C-T-A-N-G-U-L-A-R C-O-O-R-D SYSTEM, but once the English is shown a few times, the meaning is conveyed by the above.

rectangular ~ system (3D)

NDH 3D-CL, PO away, FO up. DH shakes "X" at thumb and "Y" at middle finger, and draws "Z" at index finger. Note: One can sign R-E-C-T-A-N-G-U-L-A-R C-O-O-R-D SYSTEM, but once the English is shown a few times, the meaning is conveyed by the above.

coordination

(2h)[F], POs away, FOs up, link together and move in a horizontal circle.

cope

C-O-P-E.

coplanar

IN SAME PLANE (geometry).

copper

C-U. For more information on this and other elements, see The elements. And for fun, listen to Tom Lehrer singing the "Song of the elements" at Flashimation.

copy

This sign can have different POs depending on what it being copied to what, but basically the NDH [B] acts as that which is being copied and the DH [B] stretches out across the palm of the NDH, FT to FT and thumb to bottom of palm. The DH is pulled away while closing to a [O^] and represents the copying process.

copyright

COPY RIGHTS.

copy sign (shadow)

COPY SIGN.

corn

(2h)[5^], POs ><, twist corn. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - corn.

corner

(2h)[B], FOs diagonally away, tap FTs 2x.

corner wipe (media)

CORNER W-I-P-E.

corona (astronomy)

[5], PO > signer, FO diagonally up, is held against the [B^] arm on the signer's side of the arm which represents the surface of the sun and wg while tracing the outline of the arm from elbow to wrist.

coronal hole (Astronomy)

[5], PO > signer, FO diagonally up, is held against the [B^] arm on the signer's side of the arm which represents the surface of the sun and wg while tracing the outline of the arm from elbow to wrist.+ (2h)bC-CL'hole'.

coronal mass ejection

C-M-E.

coronal plane

(2h)1-CL"trace a rectangle" + (2h)[B], POs > back of signer, FOs ><, use FT to cut down the sides of the head and then the sides of the torso.

corporation

C-O-R-P.

corpus collosum

[1] moves down center line of head from back to front + (2h)5-CL'mesh above head'.

correct

~ (papers, v)
Draw an "X" against the palm.

(right)

RIGHT.

corrective (stage make-up)

MAKE-UP (stage) CHANGE.

correlation

C-O + (2h)[F], interlink FTs and move back and forth between the two things that have a relationship.

corrode, corrosion, corrosive

CHEMICAL + [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. If the corrosive agent is known, replace CHEMICAL with the appropriate agent.

corrupt (adj), corruption (abuse of authority)

(1) [B], PO towards, slices across face (COVER-UP) + [O^] moves in multiple directions under [B], PO down, FO > DS (ILLEGAL-DEAL, similar to BRIBE). (2) (2h)[G], POs ><, one held at eye and the other in neutral space both wink as if one person is giving another the go-ahead to do something illegal + [O^] moves in multiple directions under [B], PO down, FO > DS (ILLEGAL-DEAL, similar to BRIBE). (3) DIRTY WORK.

cortex

DH [G], PO away, slide along palm of [B], PO down, FO > DS to show the under surface.

cortical

DH [G], PO away, slide along palm of [B], PO down, FO > DS to show the under surface + POSS.

Corvette

[C], POs away, FOs up, hands nod upwards twice at wrists.

cosecant

C-O-S-E-C.

cosech (read "hyperbolic cosecant")

C-O-S-E-C-H.

cosh (read "hyperbolic cosine" or "cosh", as if it were a word)

C-O-S-H.

cosine

C-O-S.

cosmic microwave background radiation

UNIVERSE MICROWAVE BACKGROUND RADIATION, where the last sign is NDH [S], PO down, FO > DS, DH [5] is held over NDH and wiggles while rising to show radiation.

cosmological constant

(1) [V], PO towards, FO down. (2) (2h)[1], FOs up at angle, POs ><, meet at FTs to form angle indicated by shape of letter.

cosmological principle

UNIVERSE HOMOGENOUS PRINCIPLE, where the second sign is 2h)[Y], POs down, FOs away, circle horizontally. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - standard.

cosmology

MAJOR UNIVERSE, where the first sign is (2h)[Bb], POs > opposite side, FOs away, DH is held above and touching NDH and DH moves straight down the NDH.

cost

~ (the ~ of something)
FT of [X], PO > NDS, brushes down [B], PO > DS, FO away. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - price. Although ASL browser labels this sign "price", see note at my entry for "price".

~ (to calculate the ~ of something)

CALCULATE + FT of [X], PO > NDS, brushes down [B], PO > DS, FO away. For a QuickTime movie of the second sign, see ASL browser - price. Although ASL browser labels this sign "price", see note at my entry for "price".

Costa Rica

(1) NDH [B], PO down, FO > DS. DH [C], PO away from signer, travels > DS on NDH, passes over FTs, then descends while changing into [R]. (2) C-R. 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.

cost of goods sold

C-G-S.

costovertebral

C-V.

cotangent

C-O-T-A-N.

cotanh (read "hyperbolic cotangent)

C-O-T-A-N-H.

cotton

(1) (2h)[O^], POs ><, FT of DH slide several times along FT of NDH and close when they arrive at the end. (2) (2h)[5], POs ><, touch FTs and closes twice to (2h)[O^], then hands separate and HS become (2h)[5:].

cough

(1) [5:] holds FT against chest and twists downwards twice while maintaining contact and coughing. (2) [1], taps base of throat twice while coughing.

coulomb

"C".

Coulomb's Laws

(1) The electric force is inversely proportional to the square of the separation between the two particles and is along the line joining them
HOW-MUCH ELECTRICITY FORCE INVERSE PROPORTIONAL "WHAT"? HOW-MUCH (2h)PARTICLE (2h)alt.INDEX SEPARATE. PLUS FORCE FOLLOW LINE. (<) ATTRACT, #OR (>) REPEL. Note: INVERSE is (2h)[V], POs away, FOs ><, move towards signer and supinate, that is, turn POs towards.

(2) The electric force is proportional to the product of the magnitudes of the charges on the two particles

ELECTRIC FORCE PROPORTIONAL "WHAT"? ITS-lf CHARGE MULTIPLY ITS-rt CHARGE.

(3) The electric force is attractive if the charges are of opposite sign and repulsive if the charges have the same sign

IF (2h)alt.THEIR CHARGE (<) BOTH POSITIVE, #OR (>) BOTH NEGATIVE, (2h)alt.INDEX REPEL. IF (2h)alt.THEIR CHARGE OPPOSITE, (2h)alt.INDEX ATTRACT.

counsel, counseling

[O^], PO down, brushes against the back of [B], PO down, while opening repeatedly into a [5].

count

[F], PO down, FO away, moves repeatedly up palm of [B], PO up, FO away.

counter

(2h)[Bb], POs down, FOs away, hands are held against one another and separate at the appropriate level.

counterclockwise

C-C-W.

counterconditioning

CHANGE CONDITIONING.

counter cross (theater)

(2h)[1], POs away, FOs up, DH moves away diagonally as if crossing a stage, then NDH does the same, crossing over the path of the DH.

counter electromotive force

C-E-M-F.

counter/timer circuit

C-T-C.

counting numbers

_____________rhq
NUMBER FOR-FOR? COUNT"each".

coupling

(2h)[C], POs away, FOs up, hands are brought together once like the fastening of a coupling.

coupling alignment

(2h)[C], POs away, FOs up, hands are brought together once like the fastening of a coupling + (2h)[5:], POs > signer, DH interlaces fingers with NDH.

court

~(yard)
(2h)[1^], POs down, FOs away, draw a horizontal rectangle.

~ (sports)

C-O-U-R-T.

court order

COURT ORDER, where the first sign is (2h)[F], POs ><, FOs away, alt. ascend and descend.

courtyard

(2h)[1^], POs down, FOs away, draw a horizontal rectangle.

covenant

(1) AGREE. (2) (AGREE) RELATIONSHIP-WITH-God. (3) THINK + (2h)[C], POs down, FOs away. (< comparing one's ideas with another's and finding them in agreement, according to Costello in Religious Signing.)

cover up (illegal)

NDH [B], PO up, FO away, is held in neutral space, and DH [B], PO down, FO away, moves towards NDS and slides over the surface of NDH with th as if trying to cover up.

covet

(1) Bite FT of DH pinkie. (2) JEALOUS. (3) JEALOUS, WANT you-SAME-AS-me.

crab

(1) (2h)[bO], POs ><, FOs up, snap open and shut. (2) (2h)[5^], POs ><, FOs up, snap open and shut.

crabs (pubic lice)

(2h)[3] is held with DH thumb touching the nose and NDH touching the pubic area and both FTs wiggle.

crack

~ (drug)
Thumb side of [S] strikes chin.

~ (fault)

Use small finger side of B-CL to indicate shape and location of crack and degree of zz to indicate severity.

cram (study hard, last minute)

DH [5] moves FT towards and away from palm of NDH [B], PO up, FO away, rapidly.

cramp(s)

~ (muscular)
Point to biceps to show you are referring to a muscle, then point to the exact muscle (if not the biceps), then both "claw" hands are held with the palms facing in. Move both hands into "S" hands, then twist in opposite directions as if wringing out a cloth. The facial expression should reflect pain or cramping.

~ (menstrual)

[A] taps palmside against DS of jaw twice + (2h)[5:], POs down, are held at abdomen and twist while closing to (2h)[S] as if wringing out a sponge.

cranial cavity

(2h)[B], POs down, hands overlap completely at nose, DH on top. DH ascends + INSIDE.

crank

(2h)[S], POs away, FO up, move alt. in circles, similar to BICYCLE, but POs are not down.

crankcase

(2h)[S], POs away, FO up, move alt. in circles, similar to BICYCLE, but POs are not down + BOX.

crankshaft

(2h)[S], POs away, FO up, move alt. in circles, similar to BICYCLE, but POs are not down + (2h)F-CL. indicated the twists of a crankshaft which are like a square wave, which see if an illustration is desired.

crash (computers)

(2h)[5:] interlaced, POs ><, FTs move down while remaining interlaced so that the PO becomes down. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - break-down.

cratering

[S] strikes back hand of [B], PO down, FO > DS + BOWL, where the last sign is (2h)[B^], POs up, FOs away, touch and then move to outline a bowl. This is signed twice.

create

~ (an idea)
[4], PO > NDS, FO up, spirals away from temple.

~ (something physical)

(1) MAKE. (2) C-MAKE.

creation, Creation

~ (the act of ~)
GOD MAKE WORLD(~general).

~ (the things God made, as in "Let ~ praise You.")

(1) EVERYTHING GOD MAKE. (2) WORLD.

creative, creativity

(2h)[4], FOs up, alt. brush up respective temples. This can be (1h).

creator

GOD HIMSELF MAKE WORLD.

creche

SMALL CHRISTMAS STATUE alt.SET-UP.

credit

~ (accounting)
C-R is made on the right side with right hand (irrespective of dominant hand) to show the standard abbreviation and positioning of credits in accounting.

~ (business)

(1) BORROW. (2) [S] swipes pinkie side against palm of [B], mimicking the old machines the pushed a paper against the embossed card. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - credit card.

~ (for a course)

PROFIT/BENEFIT.

credit card

[S] swipes pinkie side against palm of [B], mimicking the old machines the pushed a paper against the embossed card. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - credit card.

credits (acting)

(2h)[4], POs > signer, FOs >< DH is held above NDH and both nod upwards at wrist as if a stream of names was traveling up a screen.

creed

(1) BELIEVE. (2) TRUE~BELIEVE.

A short statement of religious belief.³

crest (of a waveform)

B-CL'arcs up, then down', TOP.

crew

(1) GROUP. (2) C-R-E-W.

criminal justice

C-J.

crisis

(1) AWFUL HAPPEN. (2) (2h)[C] approach one another, cross at wrists and move upwards as if clashing.

criteria

[C], PO away, moves up the FTs of NDH [5]. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - criteria.

critic

CRITICIZE AGENT.

critical

IMPORTANT*.

critical density (Astronomy)

(2h)[Bb], FOs away, DH balance and waivers slightly on top of NDH + "D".

critical values

C-R-I-T-I-C-A-L VALUE. Where VALUE is (2h)[flat F], POs><, FOs away, tap thumbs together twice.

criticize

Draw an "X" against the palm.

critique

WRITE CRITICIZE.

cross

~ (biology)
(2h)[1], PO down, move from their respective sides and cross index fingers.

~ (Christianity)

[C], PO away, travels down, then returns and moves from NDS to DS, tracing a cross in the air. For an animated gif of this sign, see Animated dictionary of religious signs - Deaf Missions: Cross.

~ (in a bad mood)

[5:], PO > signer, hand is held in front of face while FT wg.

cross (stage, theater)

(1) [1], PO away, FO up, moves away as if crossing a stage. (2) [V^], PO down, FO away, moves away while fluttering FT as if walking across a stage.

cross country

~ (running or skiing)
C-C.

(~) trail

(1) [1] traces winding trail from above. (2) T-R-A-I-L.

cross dresser, cross dressing

Usually you will need to contextualize this, such as MAN ENJOY DRESS-UP LIKE WOMAN or vice versa. There is a sign I have seen, [C], PO > NDS, FO away, rapidly descends and then ascend around [1], PO > DS, FO up. This is a sign that generally means trying on clothes. How valid or widespread this sign is not known to me.

cross examination

OTHER LAWYER (2h)alt.ASK.

crosshatch (piston)

~ (v)
SURGERY GRAPH, meaning etch with crosshatching.

~ing (n)

GRAPH, but with NDH [C], PO > signer, to represent cylinder.

cross multiply

(1) Cross (2h)[1], POs away, FOs up, cross FTs at midjoint to make 'X' + MULTIPLY. (2) MULTIPLY + (2h)[1] point simultaneously to NDS numerator and DS denominator, then NDS denominator and DS numerator.

cross oneself

[B^] touches forehead, midchest, left shoulder, then right shoulder.

crossover cable

(2h)[4], DPO down, NDPO up, FTs ><, hands reverse their PO.

cross-section

[B], PO > signer, cuts across thumb edge of [C], PO away, as if slicing it.

crown

~ (n)
(2h)[open 8] place crown on head with small double movement.

~ (v)

(2h)[open 8] place crown on head with large single movement.

crucible

Cover NDH [C], PO > DS, FO away, with [C], PO down, FO away.

crucible tongs

Cover NDH [C], PO > DS, FO away, with [C], PO down, FO away. With NDH still in place [V:], PO down, FO > NDS, descends and closes on thumbs as if ready to pick up a crucible.

crucifix

(1) [C], PO away, travels down, then returns and moves from NDS to DS, tracing a cross in the air. (2) CRUCIFIXION STATUE.

crucify, crucifixion

DH [S] strikes NDH palm with pinkie side, NDH [S] strikes DH palm with pinkie side, both hands are held out PO away. (< driving the nails into Jesus' hands.) For an animated gif of this sign, see Animated dictionary of religious signs - Deaf Missions: Crucify (Crucifixion).

crude oil

Thumb of [Y] is inserted twice into a slightly open [S], PO > DS, FO away.

cruise

~ (for sexual partners)
(1) Little finger side of DH [C] rubs against palm of [B] PO up with tongue stuck in ND cheek. (2) (San Francisco variant) [F] rubs inner curl of fingers in a circular motion around the nose.

~ (on a boat)

BOAT.

crural region

Bend the knee and bring the lower leg up so that you can run the thumbside (ulnar) edge of [B], PO > NDS, FO away, along the leg from knee to heel.

cryptographic, cryptography

C-R-Y-P-T.

crystal

~ (chemistry)
C-R-Y-S-T-A-L.

~ (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.

crystallization, crystallize

~ (element)
A-WORLD BECOME + both hands are held in an "A" with palms facing each other and thumbs point upward; the non-dominant hand is held stationary while the dominant hand moves towards its side; when the movement is complete, the hands come together again, descend, and repeat the previous motion. This shows the orderly pattern of a crystal.

~ (compound)

M-WORLD BECOME + both hands are held in an "A" with palms facing each other and thumbs point upward; the non-dominant hand is held stationary while the dominant hand moves towards its side; when the movement is complete, the hands come together again, descend, and repeat the previous motion. This shows the orderly pattern of a crystal.

Cuba

[C], PO away from signer, touches forehead with backhand. 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.

cube, cubed (exponent)

THIRD is twisted upwards.

cube root

THIRD'superscripted' + 1_outline-CL'draw square root symbol'. Make sure that the "3" is in the right place in relationship to the standard notation for cube root.

cubic centimeter

(1) C-M CUBED. (2) C-U C-M. (3) C-C.

cubic feet per minute

C-F-M.

cubic feet per second

(1) F-T CUBED, then hand descends and signs "S". (2) C-U F-T, then hand descends and signs "S".

cubic meter

(1) "M" CUBED. (2) C-U "M".

cubic meters per second

(1) "M" CUBED, then hand descends and signs "S". (2) C-U F-T, then hand descends and signs "S".

cubital region

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

Cub Scout

BOY + salute with [straightened N].

cucumber

[1], PO > NDS, slices through imaginary cucumber by rubbing against FTs of [C], PO down, FO away.

cue

~ (media production)
[C], PO > NDS, FO up, twists at wrist until PO is away.

~ (theater)

[C], PO > NDS, FO up, twists at wrist until PO is away.

~ (to do Cued Speech)

[B], PO > signer, FO > NDS, circles around DS of mouth.

Cued Speech

(1) [B], PO > signer, FO > NDS, circles around DS of mouth. (2) C-S. (3) [half in jest] CUTE SPEECH.

Cueing

(1) [B], PO > signer, FO > NDS, circles around DS of mouth. (2) C-S. (3) [half in jest] CUTE SPEECH.

cult

(1) FALSE CHURCH. (2) CHURCH + (2h)[1], POs down, FOs away from signer, are held side by side and then DH moves > DS in an outward arc.

cult of the Dead

GROUP WORSHIP DEAD PEOPLE.

cultural view (of d/Deaf people)

CULTURE PERSPECTIVE DEAF.

culture

~ (Medicine)
Fingerspell the sort of culture, such as "bacteria" or "fungus" + (2h)[H: dot]-CL'Petri dish' + while holding NDH in place from previous sign, use H-CL to brush the substance being culture against the medium it is being cultured in.

~ (Sociology)

[C], FO up, curves semicircularly around [1], PO > DS, FO up.

take an oral ~

[X] scrapes FT against inside of cheek + ANALYZE.

take a vaginal ~

[X] scrapes FT against inside rim of [L], FO down, PO towards + ANALYZE.

cumulative

(2h)[5^], POs ><, FOs up. DH is held at shoulder with NDH in front of it. Both hands flutter fingers and approach one another, closing to (2h)[O^] when they meet.

cunnilingus

(1) (2h)[L], PO away, touch FTs, and move in a circle against the extended tongue. (2) (2h)[L], PO away, touch FTs, then with NDH held in place, DH [H] licks up the index finger.

cup of Elijah

E-PROPHET 'S WINE CUP.

curfew

C-LIMIT.

curium

C-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.

current

~ (electricity)
~
"I".
~ gain (A_i)
A I"subscripted".

conventional (~ flow)

(1) NORMAL. (2) HABIT.

~ (fluids)

(2h)5wg-CL'show the actual path of the current'. Both 5 hands wiggle while traveling the way that the current does.

~ branches

(2h)[1], POs down, FOs away, NDH stays in place while DH arcs away > DS. Note: This can be done with the modulation "each" to show plurality.

~ (present-day)

~
NOW+.

~ asset

NOW+ "A".

~ liability

NOW+ "L".

~ value

NOW+ VALUE.

curse

~ (say dirty words)
DH [Y], PO down, FO > DS, twists at wrist while moving forward alongside NDH [1], PO down, FO away, which travels along with it.

~ (wish ill for someone)

[5:], PO > singer, is held at mouth and moves > what is cursed while closing to [S], then fist is shaken at what is cursed.

cursillo

C-LESSON.

cursor

(1) [G], PO away, FO > DS, opens and shuts as in PRINTER to emulate the blinking light of a cursor. (2) [bO], PO away, FO > DS, moves > DS in arcs, mimicking the movement of a cursor.

curtain! (up!, theater)

(1) (2h)[4], POs away, FOs up, are held side by side and then separate like opening curtains. (2) (2h)[B], POs > signer, FOs ><, DH is held alongside of NDH and both raise like the edge of a curtain.

curtain call

LAST + (2h)[4], POs away, FOs up, are held side by side, then separate like opening curtains, and then FTs bow with signer's head. (2) LAST + (2h)[B], POs > signer, FOs ><, DH is held alongside of NDH and both raise like the edge of a curtain + (2h)[4], POs away, FOs up, FTs bow at wrist as signer bows head.

curvature

DH [1] traces inside surface of NDH [bC], PO > DS, FO up.

curve

(1) If curve's shape is know, use 1_outline-CL'draw shape of curve' for 2-D or B-CL for 3-D. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - curve. (2) If curve's shape is unknown, use C-U-R-V-E.

curve ball

[B^], PO > NDS, FO up, moves away in a horizontal arc, > DS then > NDS.

curvilinear

FT of [1] traces a curvy line if 2-dimensional and [B] traces a curvy surface if 3-dimensional.

cusp

(2h)[B], POs ><, FOs diagonally up, two hands are angled towards one another and ascend and FTs meet.

custodian

~ (caretaker of something other than a building)
SUPERVISOR.

~ (janitor)

(2h)[S] push mop forward on floor several times + AGENT.

custom

(2h)[5:], POs down, FOs away, both hands descend while changing to (2h)[S].

customer

BUY AGENT.

cut

~ (body)
The thumb of [A dot] moves across the back of NDH as if cutting or if the place of the cut is known, this is performed at the appropriate place.

~ (drugs with something neutral to reduce cost to dealer)

MIX.

~ (edit)

DH [V], PO > NDS, closes to [U] while cutting at NDH [Bb], PO down.

~ (stop everything, command in media production)

[1] is drawn across neck like a knife.

~ (with a knife)

(2h)[B], DPO > NDS, DFO away, NDPO up, NDFO away. DH slices across palm of NDH while moving > DS (if several cuts are made).

~ (with scissors)

DH [V], PO > NDS, closes to [U] while cutting at NDH [Bb], PO down.

~ hash

(1) Hash is held with [O^], PO > DS, and is cut with [B], PO > NDS, multiple times. (2) (1) + H-A-S-H.

cut that out!

[5] is held with FT away from signer and the hand twists slightly but rapidly (like a vibration) while "FISH" is mouthed.

cutting tip

CUT T-I-P, where the first sign is the DH [V] acts like a scissor that cuts once at the FTs of NDH.

cutting torch

CUT + [L], PO > NDS, FO away, moves left and right as if cutting something, where the first sign is the DH [V] acts like a scissor that cuts once at the FTs of NDH.

cuvette

(2h)[B] sign BOX so that it is very small and the hands ascend in the final position to show a structure that is tall but thin.

cycle

(1) (2h)[1], POs towards, FOs ><. FT touch, DH moves away then towards in vertical circle, until FT touch again. (2) Like (1) but NDH is [C], PO away. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - cycle.

cycles per second

C-P-S or H-Z (Hertz).

cyclical

TEND FOLLOW CYCLE.

cyclic redundancy check

C-R-C.

cycling

BICYCLE.

cylinder

(2h)C-CL'show size and orientation of cylinder'. For a piston cylinder the orientation will be slightly tilted away from signer.

cytoplasm

C-Y-T-O-P-L-A-S-M.

cytosine

"C".

Czech Republic [this is an old sign for Czechoslovakia and may no longer apply]

[5:], PO up, FO away from signer, touches chin from below and moves away from signer. 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.