smoke-signal
Clouded distance communication
A smoke signal is a puff of smoke used to send messages over distance, traditionally by indigenous peoples.
The method requires line of sight and prearranged meanings.
Figuratively, a smoke signal is an indirect hint or early indication of intentions: The CEO's speech sent smoke signals about upcoming layoffs.
To smoke-signal is to hint or telegraph: They've been smoke-signaling a policy change for months.
Transmitted communication
- codeSymbolic communication system
- transmitTo send onward
- relayStage-by-stage transmission
- conveyCommunicate or transport
notify · distance · nonverbal · visual · primitive · telegraphy · semaphore · encode
Morse distress code
- rescueSave from harm
- emergencySerious sudden danger
- flareSudden bright burst
- maydayRadio emergency signal
help · stranded · survivor · lost · beacon · warning · alert · visibility
Combustion with flames
- blanketSoft bed covering
- plumeOrnamental feather or rising column
- columnVertical structural element
- puffBrief burst of air
interval · pattern · timing · hilltop · visibility · wet · smolder · rhythm
Social group sharing ancestry
- indigenousOriginating in a region
- ancestorsThose from whom one descends
- traditionCustom passed through generations
- plainsBroad, level grasslands
Apache · Navajo · sentinel · lookout · hilltop · distance · relay · code
Ceremonial set of actions
- sacredWorthy of reverence
- spiritualRelating to the soul
- ceremonyFormal event marking occasions
- powwowCeremonial tribal gathering
shaman · prayer · purification · offering · ancestors · blessing · tribal · summons
Indirect suggestion
- indicationSign of what's coming
- warningAlert about danger
- foreshadowingHinting at later events
- omenProphetic indicator
sign · portent · clue · suggestion · gesture · implicit · unspoken · subtle
message
Transmitted communication
convey · notify · distance · nonverbal · visual · primitive · telegraphy · semaphore · encode · decode
SOS
Morse distress code
mayday · help · stranded · survivor · lost · beacon · warning · alert · visibility · attention
fire
Combustion with flames
puff · interval · pattern · timing · hilltop · visibility · wet · smolder · rhythm · sequence
tribe
Social group sharing ancestry
- indigenousOriginating in a region
- ancestorsThose from whom one descends
- traditionCustom passed through generations
plains · Apache · Navajo · sentinel · lookout · hilltop · distance · relay · code · blanket
ritual
Ceremonial set of actions
powwow · shaman · prayer · purification · offering · ancestors · blessing · tribal · summons · gathering
hint
Indirect suggestion
- indicationSign of what's coming
- warningAlert about danger
- foreshadowingHinting at later events
omen · sign · portent · clue · suggestion · gesture · implicit · unspoken · subtle · indirect
smoke-signaldigital communication
Information exchange via technology
text message · email · instant message · fiber optic · 5G
smoke-signaldirect speech
Exact quoted utterance
written word · verbal communication · plain language · formal letter · spoken word
smoke-signalwritten record
carved stone · legal document · recorded message · notarized letter · database entry
smoke, signal, smokes, smoked, smoking, smoky, smokier, smokiest, smoker