teletype
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈtɛləˌtaɪp/
KK: /ˈtɛləˌtaɪp/
noun
Definition
A machine that prints messages sent over a wire, often used for communication in the past.
Example
The news was delivered quickly via teletype to all the major newspapers.
Conversation
Have you ever seen a teletype machine in action?
No, I haven't! What do they even do?
They used to print messages, kind of like old-school texting.
That sounds fascinating! I’d love to see one someday.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
printer
terminal
keyboard
Antonyms
silence
disconnection
inactivity
verb
Definition
To operate or send messages using a device that prints text on paper, typically used for communication over long distances.
Example
He learned how to teletype messages to his colleagues in another city.
Tense Forms
Past: teletyped
Past Participle: teletyped
Conversation
Have you ever learned how to teletype a message?
No, I haven’t! What is that like?
It's pretty interesting; you basically send messages through a machine.
Root Explanation
Teletype is formed from "tele-" (meaning far off or at a distance, from Greek 'tēle') and "type" (from Greek 'typos', meaning impression or mark). The word refers to a device that types messages over long distances.
Memory Tip
Think of 'tele-' meaning 'far off' and 'type' meaning 'impression' — together, they describe a device that creates impressions of messages from far away.
Visually Confused Words
telotype