sos
UK[ˌɛs əʊ ˈɛs]US[ˌɛs oʊ ˈɛs]
n
An internationally recognized signal of extreme distress, used especially by ships and aircraft, consisting of the letters SOS in Morse code or as a spoken word.
n
Any urgent call for help or rescue.
Etymology
The signal SOS originated in the early 20th century as a distinctive, unmistakable Morse code sequence (··· --- ···) for maritime distress. Contrary to popular belief, it is not an acronym for phrases like "Save Our Souls" but was chosen by the German government in 1905 for its simplicity and ease of transmission. It was formally adopted as the international radio distress signal at the 1906 Berlin Radiotelegraphic Conference. The letters SOS were selected because their Morse code pattern is highly recognizable, even in poor signal conditions, and the sequence was later conveniently interpreted as the alphabetical letters S-O-S for verbal and written use.
Analysis
SOS is an indivisible code sequence. It is not composed of meaningful morphemes in the traditional sense. Its origin is procedural, created for telegraphic communication.
Examples
The stranded hikers used a mirror to flash an SOS signal to the search plane.
When the engine failed, the captain immediately sent out an SOS.
Her email subject line was simply "SOS," indicating she needed urgent assistance.