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Definition of telecommunication

telecommunication

/ˌtɛləkəˌmjuːnɪˈkeɪʃən/
tel · e · com · mu · ni · ca · tion

Plural:telecommunications
•
Adjective:telecommunicational
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telecommunication Lexical Profile

• noun

1

The transmission of signals, messages, words, writings, images, and sounds over significant distances by electronic, electromagnetic, or optical means, such as telephone, radio, television, or the internet.

Example

"Advances in satellite telecommunication have enabled high-speed internet access in remote rural communities."


2

The branch of technology, engineering, and commercial industry concerned with designing, maintaining, and operating long-distance electronic communication systems (usually used in the plural).

Example

"She earned a master's degree in electrical engineering before beginning her career in telecommunications."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for telecommunication

Word Nuance & Usage

When referring to the technological field, industry, or network systems as a whole, the plural form 'telecommunications' (often shortened to 'telecom') is overwhelmingly preferred, though it routinely takes a singular verb when treated as an academic discipline or industry sector.

• Rhymes for telecommunication

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in French as 'télécommunication' in 1904 by the French engineer and novelist Édouard Estaunié, combining the Ancient Greek prefix 'tēle-' (meaning 'far off') with Latin 'communicare' (meaning 'to share').

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Telecommunication. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/telecommunication
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