finger-alphabet
Definition
Noun: - A manual alphabet: "finger-alphabet" refers to a system of hand shapes and movements that represent the letters of a written alphabet, used primarily in sign languages, especially for spelling out words (e.g., names or technical terms).
Usage Examples
- (A manual alphabet for fingerspelling.)
- (The system of hand signs for letters.)
Advanced Usage
- "to fingerspell": to communicate using a finger-alphabet.
- She had to fingerspell her name because the sign for it was unknown. (Use hand signs to spell out letters.)
Variants and Related Words
- Fingerspelling (n): the act or process of using a finger-alphabet.
- Fingerspelling is common when no standard sign exists for a word. (The practice of spelling manually.)
Synonyms
- Manual alphabet: a system of hand signs representing letters.
- Hand alphabet: another term for a finger-alphabet, often used interchangeably.
Related Idioms
- To speak with one's fingers: to communicate via a finger-alphabet or sign language.
- She could speak with her fingers fluently, translating the speech for her deaf friend. (Use manual signs to convey language.)