Definition of "signature" []

• One's name as written by oneself. (noun)
• The act of signing one's name. (noun)
• A distinctive mark, characteristic, or sound indicating identity: A surprise ending is the signature of an O. Henry short story. (noun)
• Medicine The part of a physician's prescription containing directions to the patient. (noun)
• Music A sign used to indicate key. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "He's so well-known in American folklore than his name itself has become synonymous with the word "signature" -- in other words: "Just put your 'John Hancock' right here on the dotted line.""
• "The term signature (from Lat. _signare_, a sign) is also applied to a letter or figure printed at the foot of the first page of each sheet or section of the book."
• "As far as most people are concerned, the signature is an absolute must for GR."