Definition

A machine that looks like a typewriter and is used to send and receive written messages over long distances using electrical signals.

Example

The journalist used a teletypewriter to send her article to the newspaper office.

Conversation

Have you ever seen a teletypewriter in action?

No, I haven't! What does it do?

It's a cool device that sends and receives messages like a typewriter.

That sounds interesting! I'd love to learn more about it.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Teletypewriter is formed from "tele-" (meaning far off or at a distance, from Greek 'tēle') and "typewriter" (from 'type' meaning to strike or impress, and 'writer' meaning a person or device that writes). The word refers to a device that allows writing or typing messages over long distances.

Memory Tip

Imagine a device that lets you 'write' ('typewriter') messages that can be sent 'far off' ('tele-') — that's what a teletypewriter does.

Visually Confused Words