linked to Signs, Signs Sign in exam room, of my family doctor, meaning is shelter. I found the translation here . I had presumed that it meant some kind of room, but couldn't remember the spelling to Google it. My last visit, I had my Nikon so I snapped it while waiting for my doctor. A little aside: this sign was left here by a retired doctor whose practice was in this same place. He still has quite a dry wit. His nom de plume for our newspaper's editorial page is "Dr. Coldwater." One painting he posted in the old waiting room was all white with the title "Polar Bear in a Snowstorm."