gesture

Etymology

From Medieval Latin gestūra (“a mode of action”), from Latin gerō (“to bear; (reflexive) bear oneself, behave, act”), past participle gestus.

noun

1. A motion of the limbs or body, especially one made to emphasize speech.
   The middle-finger gesture is really a nonverbal swear.
2. An act or a remark that serves as a formality or as a sign of attitude.
   We took flowers as a gesture of sympathy.
   But, with a gesture, she put a period to this dalliance—one shouldn't palter so on an empty stomach, she might almost have said. 1922, Michael Arlen, “2/4/1”, in “Piracy”: A Romantic Chronicle of These Days
3. (graphical user interface) A motion made with a pointing device, or on a touchscreen, that is recognised by the system as a command.
   This Web browser can be controlled with mouse gestures.
4. (obsolete) The manner of carrying the body; position of the body or limbs; posture.

verb

1. (intransitive) To make a gesture or gestures.
   My dad told me never to gesture with my hands when I talk.
   Never gesture at someone using your middle finger: it may be perceived as an insult.
2. (transitive) To express something by a gesture or gestures.
   He gestured his disgust.
3. (transitive) To accompany or illustrate with gesture or action.