| semiotics |
| Definition: The study of symbols and signs, especially their function and origin. |
| Etymology: The term derives from the Greek semeiotikos, observant of signs (from the Greek sema, sign). |
| Oxford English Dictionary: The word's first OED citation is from 1880: "Our native semiotics will surely help the archeologist in his study of native picture-writing." (G. Mallery, Introduction to the Study of Sign Language among North American Indians, 4) |