gesture

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ges·ture / ˈjeschər/ • n. a movement of part of the body, esp. a hand or the head, to express an idea or meaning: Alex made a gesture of apology | so much is conveyed by gesture. ∎  an action performed to convey one's feelings or intentions: Maggie was touched by the kind gesture. ∎  an action performed for show in the knowledge that it will have no effect: I hope the amendment will not be just a gesture.• v. [intr.] make a gesture: she gestured meaningfully with the pistol. ∎  [tr.] express (something) with a gesture or gestures: he gestured his dissent at this. ∎  [tr.] direct or invite (someone) to move somewhere specified: he gestured her to a chair.DERIVATIVES: ges·tur·al adj.

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