in·sig·ni·a (n-sgn-) also in·sig·ne (-n)
n. pl. insignia or in·sig·ni·as
1. A badge of office, rank, membership, or nationality; an emblem.
2. A distinguishing sign.
[Latin nsignia, pl. of nsigne, badge of office, mark, from neuter of nsignis, distinguished, marked : in-, in; see in-2 + signum, sign; see sekw-1 in Indo-European roots.]
Usage Note: Insignia in Latin is the plural form of insigne, but it has long been used in English as both a singular and a plural form: The insignia was visible on the wingtip. There are five insignia on various parts of the plane. From the singular use of insignia comes the plural insignias, which is also acceptable.
The Latin singular insigne is rare and may strike some readers as pedantic.
Source:
http://www.thefreedictionary.com/insigne
The Latin singular insigne is rare and may strike some readers as pedantic.
Source:
http://www.thefreedictionary.com/insigne
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