distress signal

/dəˌstrɛs ˈsɪgnəl/
IPA guide

Other forms: distress signals

Definitions of distress signal
  1. noun
    an internationally recognized signal sent out by a ship or plane indicating that help is needed
    synonyms: distress call
    see moresee less
    types:
    SOS
    an internationally recognized distress signal in radio code
    Mayday
    an internationally recognized distress signal via radiotelephone (from the French m'aider)
    type of:
    sign, signal, signaling
    any nonverbal action or gesture that encodes a message
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