semiotics

Coined by John Locke from Ancient Greek σημειωτικός (sēmeiōtikós, “fitted for marking, portending”), from σημειοῦν (sēmeioûn, “to mark, interpret as a portend”), from σημεῖον (sēmeîon, “a mark, sign, token”), from σῆμα (sêma, “mark, sign”).

semiotics (uncountable)

1. The study of signs and symbols, especially as means of language or communication.
2. (dated) The study of medical signs and symptoms; symptomatology.

• semiology
• symbology

• semiotics in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913.
• semiotics in The Century Dictionary, New York, N.Y.: The Century Co., 1911.
• semiotics at OneLook Dictionary Search

• misticoes, societism