- signature
- signature sig‧na‧ture [ˈsɪgnətʆə ǁ -ər] noun1. [countable] BANKING your name written in the way you usually write it, for example at the end of a letter or on a cheque. It is often used to give official or legal permission for something:
• I couldn't read his signature.
• Bankers say that the large volume of checks means that most banks only spot-check (= quickly examine ) a few signatures.
information on an electronic message that proves who the person sending the message or information is:• A digital signature identifies and authenticates the originator of the information.
facˌsimile ˈsignature [countable] BANKINGan exact copy of the way that someone signs their name which is put on a special rubber stamp so that it can be used on a large number of letters, cheques etc:• The most common error by solicitors was using a facsimile signature on application forms.
ˌspecimen ˈsignature [countable] BANKINGan example of your signature that you give to a bank when you first open an account so that the bank's employees can use it to check cheques etc which have been signed with your name2. [uncountable] the act of writing a signature on something:• A decision was expected in April and, if positive, would allow signature of the agreement in May.
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Ⅰ.signature UK US /ˈsɪgnətʃər/ noun► [C] your name written by yourself, always in the same way, often used on documents to show that you have read something or that you agree to something: »I need your signature on this release document
»He accused her of forging his signature.
collect/gather signatures »We are collecting signatures for a petition.
► [U] FORMAL the act of signing something: »I enclose one part of the contract for signature by you.
→ See also DIGITAL SIGNATURE(Cf. ↑digital signature), ELECTRONIC SIGNATURE(Cf. ↑electronic signature), SPECIMEN SIGNATURE(Cf. ↑specimen signature)Ⅱ.signature UK US /ˈsɪɡnətʃər/ adjective [before noun] MARKETING, COMMERCE► used to describe the product or service that a company or person is known for: »Rock Fish is the signature dish of his favourite restaurant.
»The market for FedEx's signature product, overnight express delivery in the US, has flattened.
Financial and business terms. 2012.