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Topic: TELEPHONE, TELEGRAPH

Explore TELEPHONE, TELEGRAPH Topic

answer answering machine area code beeper bleep busy cable(n) cable(v) caller cell cellphone cellular phone chat line code conference call connect cradle crossed dead dial(n) dial(v) dialling code disconnect earpiece ext. extension facsimile helpline hotline line local call mayday mobile mobile phone Morse code mouthpiece number operator phone book phone booth receiver redial ring scrambler SOS switchboard telegram telegraph(n) telegraph(v) telemarketing telephone(n) telephone(v) telephone call telephone directory telephone exchange telephone number telex toll-free trace unlisted voice mail wire(n) wire(v) wiretapping

Show all entries from Topic: TELEPHONE, TELEGRAPH

Date: 1800-1900
Origin: tele- + Greek phone 'sound, voice'

telephone

1 noun
     
tel‧e‧phone1 S1 W2
1

the telephone

TCT the system of communication that you use to have a conversation with someone in another place [= phone]
by telephone
Reservations can be made by telephone.
on the telephone
I've never met him, but I've spoken to him on the telephone.
over the telephone
I read the names out to him over the telephone.
down the telephone British English
He shouted at me down the telephone.
I had a long telephone conversation with her yesterday.
2 [countable]TCT the piece of equipment that you use when you are talking to someone by telephone [= phone]:
The telephone rang just as I was leaving.
She picked up the telephone and dialled a number.
I said goodbye and put down the telephone.
3

be on the telephone

a) TCT to be talking to someone, using the telephone:
I was on the telephone when he came in.
b) TCT to have a telephone in your home, office etc
➔ see usage note call1


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