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phototelegraphy

Upper-Intermediate (B2)

IPA: //ˌfoʊtəʊtɛlɪˈɡræfi//

KK: /fōtōtəlɛˈgræfi/

noun
Definition

A system that transmits images or documents over a distance using electrical signals, often associated with early forms of fax technology.


Example

The invention of phototelegraphy revolutionized communication by allowing documents to be sent quickly over long distances.


Conversation
Sloth A
Have you ever heard of phototelegraphy?
Sloth B
Yeah, isn't that the old fax system?
Sloth A
Exactly! It's fascinating how it used to send images over wires.
Sloth B
I know, right? Technology has come such a long way since then.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
fax
telegraph
transmission
Antonyms
silence
inaction
disconnection
Root Explanation

Phototelegraphy → It is formed from "photo-" (from Greek "phōs", meaning light) and "telegraphy" (from Greek "tele" meaning far and "grapho" meaning to write). The word refers to the process of transmitting images or information over a distance using light.

Memory Tip

Think of 'light' ('photo-') being used to 'write' ('grapho') messages that can be sent 'far' ('tele'). This helps you remember that phototelegraphy involves sending images or information using light.

Visually Confused Words
typotelegraphy
telegraphy
stenotelegraphy
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