telegraph
telegraph Lexical Profile
telegraph Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A communication system or apparatus for transmitting messages over long distances by making and breaking an electrical connection, typically using a code such as Morse code.
"The invention of the electrical telegraph revolutionized long-distance journalism and commerce in the nineteenth century."
A message sent by telegraph; a telegram.
"She received an urgent telegraph from her family informing[...]"
• verb
To unintentionally reveal one's next move or intention to an opponent or observer through subtle physical cues or over-preparation (especially in sports or games).
"The inexperienced quarterback telegraphed his pass by staring directly at the receiver from the moment the ball was snapped."
To send a message or communicate with someone by telegraph.
"The ambassador telegraphed the latest diplomatic developments back to the capital."
• Rhymes for telegraph
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the late 18th century from French télégraphe, which was coined by French diplomat Claude Miot de Mélito from Ancient Greek tele- ('far off') and graphein ('to write'). It originally referred to the optical semaphore signaling system invented by Claude Chappe before being applied to Samuel Morse's electrical system.