Sig

Abbreviation with 2 meanings

Sig
Stands forSigna (write, label)
Meanings2
CategoriesMedical, Military

Sig has two meanings. It stands for Signa (write, label) (prescription) or Signaller (british military rank).

Meanings of Sig at a glance

#Sig stands forContext
1Signa (write, label)Medical › Prescription
2SignallerMilitary › British Military Rank

1. Signa (write, label)

Medical · Prescription Abbreviations

Section of a prescription containing the directions for use that the pharmacist translates onto the label, including dose, route, frequency, duration and purpose. It follows the drug name and strength and precedes the dispense quantity.

Example: Sig: 1 tab PO BID with food x 14 days for H. pylori.

From Latin "signa", the imperative "mark" or "label", instructing the pharmacist what to write on the container. Pharmacists speak of "the sig" and of "sig codes", the shorthand that pharmacy software expands into English (e.g. "1T PO QD" becomes "Take one tablet by mouth daily"). Directions such as "as directed" are discouraged because they leave nothing useful on the label.

2. Signaller

Military · British Military Rank Abbreviations

Junior soldier's title in the Royal Corps of Signals, the British Army's communications and information systems specialists. Signallers operate and maintain radios, satellite links, networks and electronic warfare equipment.

Example: Sig Reid set up the satellite terminal so the brigade headquarters could reach London.

The Royal Corps of Signals was formed in 1920, and its members are nicknamed "Scaleys" in Army slang. The cap badge depicts Mercury, messenger of the gods, often called "Jimmy." In general writing, sig abbreviates signature, a far more common meaning.

More prescription abbreviations

  • qwk – Every week (once weekly)
  • Rf – Refills
  • Rx – Recipe (take; prescription)
  • s.o.s. – Si opus sit (if necessary)
  • SS – Sliding scale
  • SSI – Sliding scale insulin
  • STAT – Statim (immediately)
  • s̄ – Sine (without)

See all 77 prescription abbreviations →

More british military rank abbreviations

  • Rfn – Rifleman
  • RQMS – Regimental Quartermaster Sergeant
  • RSM – Regimental Sergeant Major
  • SAC – Senior Aircraftman
  • SLt – Sub-Lieutenant
  • Spr – Sapper
  • Sqn Ldr – Squadron Leader
  • Tpr – Trooper

See all 50 british military rank abbreviations →

Edited by the AbbreviationList.com team. Spotted an error or a missing meaning? Contact us.

This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.