Not bearing a signature or not having been signed by someone. In computing, it refers to data types that can only represent non-negative values.
Formed by adding the prefix 'un-' (not) to 'signed,' which comes from Latin 'signum' meaning 'mark' or 'sign.' The word developed its modern usage in the 15th century, with the computing sense emerging in the mid-20th century.
In programming, 'unsigned' integers can represent twice as many positive numbers as 'signed' integers because they don't reserve space for negative values—a perfect example of how mathematical precision requires linguistic precision. The concept mirrors the legal world where unsigned documents lack authority.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.