“The linguistic entity is not accurately defined until it is delimited, i. e. separated from everything that surrounds it on the phonic chain. These delimited entities or units stand in opposition to each other in the mechanism of language.
One is at first tempted to liken linguistic signs to visual signs, which can exist in space without becoming confused, and to assume that separation of the significant elements can be accomplished in the same way, without recourse to any mental process. The word "form," which is often used to indicate them (cf. the expression "verbal form," "noun form") gives support to the mistake. But we know that the main characteristic of the sound-chain is that it is linear.”

— Ferdinand de Saussure, book Course in General Linguistics

Source: Cours de linguistique générale (1916), p. 103

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Ferdinand de Saussure17

Swiss linguist 1857–1913

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Ferdinand de Saussure17

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