Pager Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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pager
[ˈpeɪdʒər ]
Definition
communication device
A pager, also known as a beeper, is a small wireless device that receives and displays alphanumeric messages. It is typically used to alert individuals, particularly in medical and emergency services, when they need to communicate urgently.
Synonyms
alert device, beeper, messaging device.
Examples of usage
- The doctor was paged to attend to an emergency.
- She always carries her pager during her shifts.
- Many professionals rely on pagers for immediate notifications.
Translations
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Origin of 'pager'
The term 'pager' originated in the late 20th century, deriving from the action of paging someone, which means to summon them. The word 'page' itself comes from the Latin 'pagina', meaning a written page. The first pagers were developed in the 1950s and 1960s, primarily for use in hospitals where instant communication was critical. These early devices could relay simple numeric signals or a limited set of messages. As technology advanced, the functionality of pagers expanded to include alphanumeric displays, enabling more detailed messages to be sent. Although less common in the 21st century due to the rise of mobile phones, pagers are still used in specific sectors, particularly where reliable communication is necessary regardless of cellular service.