being or characteristic of government by representation in which citizens exercise power through elected officers and representatives; "representative government as defined by Abraham Lincoln is government of the people, by the people, for the people"
standing for something else; "the bald eagle is representative of the United States"
serving to represent or typify; "representative moviegoers"; "a representative modern play"
(patent law) a document drawn up by the applicant for a patent of invention that provides an explicit and detailed description of the nature and use of an invention
a detailed description of design criteria for a piece of work
an analysis (often in graphical form) representing the extent to which something exhibits various characteristics; "a biochemical profile of blood"; "a psychological profile of serial killers"
a vertical section of the Earth's crust showing the different horizons or layers
a side view representation of an object (especially a human face)
represent in profile, by drawing or painting
write about; "The author of this article profiles a famous painter"
a perceptible indication of something not immediately apparent (as a visible clue that something has happened); "he showed signs of strain"; "they welcomed the signs of spring"
a public display of a (usually written) message; "he posted signs in all the shop windows"
a character indicating a relation between quantities; "don't forget the minus sign"
a gesture that is part of a sign language
a fundamental linguistic unit linking a signifier to that which is signified; "The bond between the signifier and the signified is arbitrary"--de Saussure
(medicine) any objective evidence of the presence of a disorder or disease; "there were no signs of asphyxiation"
be engaged by a written agreement; "He signed to play the casino on Dec. 18"; "The soprano signed to sing the new opera"
communicate in sign language; "I don't know how to sign, so I could not communicate with my deaf cousin"
mark with one's signature; write one's name (on); "She signed the letter and sent it off"; "Please sign here"
communicate silently and non-verbally by signals or signs; "He signed his disapproval with a dismissive hand gesture"; "The diner signaled the waiters to bring the menu"
place signs, as along a road; "sign an intersection"; "This road has been signed"
engage by written agreement; "They signed two new pitchers for the next season"
approve and express assent, responsibility, or obligation; "All parties ratified the peace treaty"; "Have you signed your contract yet?"