What is "handshape"

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

In sign languages, handshape, or dez, refers to the distinctive configuration of that the hands take as they are used to form words. In Stokoe terminology it is known as the , an abbreviation of designator. Handshape is one of five components of a sign, along with location , orientation , movement , and facial-body expression. Different sign languages make use of different handshapes.