Definition

A device that allows people to talk to each other over long distances using radio waves instead of traditional phone lines.

Example

The ship used a radiotelephone to communicate with the coast guard during the storm.

Conversation

Have you ever used a radiotelephone on a boat?

No, I haven't! How does it work?

It's pretty cool — you can talk to others without needing a signal like a regular phone.

That sounds useful! I should try it next time I'm out on the water.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Radiotelephone → It is formed from "radio" (from Latin *radius*, meaning ray or beam) and "telephone" (from Greek *tele* meaning far and *phone* meaning voice or sound). The word describes a device that transmits sound over a distance using radio waves.

Memory Tip

Think of 'rays' ('radio') carrying 'sound' ('telephone') over long distances — that's what a radiotelephone does.

Visually Confused Words