signalment: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2 / Very Low Frequency / SpecializedFormal, Technical, Legal, Veterinary
Quick answer
What does “signalment” mean?
A detailed description of a person or animal, especially for identification purposes, often used in legal or official contexts.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A detailed description of a person or animal, especially for identification purposes, often used in legal or official contexts.
In forensic science and veterinary medicine, a systematic record of distinguishing physical characteristics, markings, and features used to establish identity.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is consistent and equally specialized in both varieties. Slightly more common in UK legal/historical contexts (e.g., police gazettes). In the US, strongly associated with veterinary medicine and animal registration.
Connotations
Conveys precision, official record-keeping, and a methodical approach. Can have a slightly archaic or bureaucratic feel in non-specialist contexts.
Frequency
Extremely rare in general discourse. Used almost exclusively by professionals in law enforcement, veterinary science, animal breeding, and historical archives.
Grammar
How to Use “signalment” in a Sentence
The [authority] issued a signalment for the [subject].The [document] contained a full signalment of the [animal/person].A signalment was taken describing [features].Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in forensic science, veterinary medicine, historical criminology, and legal history papers.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Core term in veterinary patient records, animal breed registries, and forensic anthropology for describing human remains.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “signalment”
Strong
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “signalment”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “signalment”
- Using it as a synonym for 'signal' or 'signaling'.
- Pronouncing it as /saɪnəl-/ (like 'sign').
- Using it in casual contexts where 'description' is sufficient.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, etymologically. It comes from French 'signalement', from 'signaler' meaning 'to distinguish, signal'. It refers to the features that 'signal' or point out an individual's identity.
Typically no. It is reserved for living beings (people, animals). For objects, terms like 'specification', 'inventory description', or 'manifest' are used.
A signalment is the objective description of the patient (species, breed, age, sex, identifying features). A diagnosis is the veterinarian's conclusion about the nature of the disease or condition. The signalment is part of the patient's record, preceding the diagnosis.
For general English learners, no. It is a highly specialized C2-level term. You should be aware of its existence but will likely only need it if you work in veterinary science, forensics, or historical legal studies.
A detailed description of a person or animal, especially for identification purposes, often used in legal or official contexts.
Signalment is usually formal, technical, legal, veterinary in register.
Signalment: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsɪɡnəlmənt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsɪɡnəlmənt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: SIGNAL + MENT. A 'signalment' sends a 'signal' (a clear description) to help 'ment'ally identify someone or something.
Conceptual Metaphor
DESCRIPTION IS A MAP / BLUEPRINT (A signalment provides a detailed guide to unique identifying features.)
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'signalment' MOST appropriately used?