SOS

views updated May 21 2018

SOS an international code signal of extreme distress, used especially by ships at sea. The letters were chosen as being easily transmitted and recognized in Morse code; by folk etymology they are taken as an abbreviation of save our souls. The earlier and original distress call for shipping (as used by the Titanic) was CQD.

The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable ELIZABETH KNOWLES

SOS

views updated May 23 2018

SOS • n. (pl. SOSs) an international code signal of extreme distress, used esp. by ships at sea. ∎  an urgent appeal for help.

The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English

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