handshape

[ hand-sheyp ]

noun

1. (in sign language) the held position of the hand and fingers in producing a particular sign.

Word History and Origins

Origin of handshape¹

hand + shape

Example Sentences

But when referring to a Black person, the sign uses four fingers pressed together in the ASL “b” handshape moving horizontally across the forehead, and is generally reserved for use by Black people, Alaquiva said.

From The Verge

The nuances of communicating in sign language were important to get right in the video, Alaquiva said: for instance, the word “black” referring to the color can be signed with one finger pointed out in the ASL 1 handshape moving horizontally across the forehead.

From The Verge