telegraph

A telegraph is an old-fashioned method of sending messages along a wire service by converting a message into electronic impulses. (noun)

A system that sends messages via wire, computer and satellites is an example of a telegraph.

To telegraph is to send someone a message electronically, or to convey a message using body language or other non-verbal cues. (verb)

When you send someone a message using a wire service, this is an example of a situation where you telegraph the person.
When you frown to signify disapproval, this is an example of a situation where you telegraph your disapproval.

See telegraph in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

Obsolete any signaling apparatus
an apparatus or system that converts a coded message into electric impulses and sends it to a distant receiver: originally, Morse code signals were sent using a key that opened and closed the circuit to activate an electromagnetic sounder, but now teletypewriters, computers, radio and microwave signals, satellites, and lasers are used

transitive verb

to send (a message) by telegraph
to send a telegram to
Informal to signal (an intended action, decision, etc.) unintentionally to another, as by a gesture or look

intransitive verb

to send a telegram

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See telegraph in American Heritage Dictionary 4

(tĕlˈĭ-grăfˌ)

noun

A communications system that transmits and receives simple unmodulated electric impulses, especially one in which the transmission and reception stations are directly connected by wires.
A message transmitted by telegraph; a telegram.

verb tel·e·graphed, tel·e·graph·ing, tel·e·graphs

verb, transitive

To transmit (a message) by telegraph.
To send or convey a message to (a recipient) by telegraph.
a. To make known (a feeling or an attitude, for example) by nonverbal means: telegraphed her derision with a smirk.
b. To make known (an intended action, for example) in advance or unintentionally: By massing troops on the border, the enemy telegraphed its intended invasion to the target country.

verb, intransitive

To send or transmit a telegram.

Related Forms: