SOS

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SOS

SOS code letters of the international distress signal. The signal is expressed in International Morse code as … — — — … (three dots, three dashes, three dots). This combination was established by the International Radiotelegraphic Convention at Berlin in 1906. The letters (SOS) do not refer to any words but were selected because they are easy to transmit. The use of Morse code for sending distress calls is now superseded by automated systems using satellite relay; the U.S. Coast Guard no longer monitors Morse code transmissions. The distress code by radiotelephony is MAY DAY, which corresponds to the French "m'aider." The signal NC, not followed by a message, also has the same meaning.

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"SOS." The Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition. 2008. Encyclopedia.com. 17 Dec. 2009 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

"SOS." The Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition. 2008. Encyclopedia.com. (December 17, 2009). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1E1-SOS.html

"SOS." The Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition. 2008. Retrieved December 17, 2009 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1E1-SOS.html

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SOS

The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English | 2009 | © The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English 2009, originally published by Oxford University Press 2009. (Hide copyright information) Copyright

SOS • n. (pl. SOSs) an international code signal of extreme distress, used esp. by ships at sea. ∎ an urgent appeal for help.

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"SOS." The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English. 2009. Encyclopedia.com. 17 Dec. 2009 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

"SOS." The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English. 2009. Encyclopedia.com. (December 17, 2009). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O999-sos.html

"SOS." The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English. 2009. Retrieved December 17, 2009 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O999-sos.html

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SOS

The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable | 2006 | | Â© The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable 2006, originally published by Oxford University Press 2006. (Hide copyright information) Copyright

SOS an international code signal of extreme distress, used especially by ships at sea. The letters were chosen as being easily transmitted and recognized in Morse code; by folk etymology they are taken as an abbreviation of save our souls. The earlier and original distress call for shipping (as used by the Titanic) was CQD.

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ELIZABETH KNOWLES. "SOS." The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. Oxford University Press. 2006. Encyclopedia.com. 17 Dec. 2009 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

ELIZABETH KNOWLES. "SOS." The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. Oxford University Press. 2006. Encyclopedia.com. (December 17, 2009). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O214-SOS.html

ELIZABETH KNOWLES. "SOS." The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. Oxford University Press. 2006. Retrieved December 17, 2009 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O214-SOS.html

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	SOS launches SOS PHONE with major retailers, Duracell and AAA, in first quarter of 1997. Business Wire; 1/6/1997
	International SOS Offers Evacuation Support for SARS Patients. Business Wire; 5/15/2003
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