Nautical Term: Semaphore
Definition of Semaphore
Semaphore refers to a method of visual communication using flags and arm signals. This system of signaling was widely used from the late 17th century until the widespread adoption of the Marconi wireless system in the early 20th century.
For instance, during a sailing regatta, a race committee might use semaphore signals to communicate the starting sequence to the competing sailors. In this scenario, the race committee might hoist a large flag X to signify the preparatory signal. Then, after a set time interval, they might hoist a flag Y to signal the starting sequence. These semaphore signals, combined with the traditional loud gun starting gun, would effectively convey the starting sequence to the sailors competing in the regatta.
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