Telefacsimile: meaning, definitions and examples
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telefacsimile
[ tɛlɪfæksɪˌmaɪl ]
communication device
A telefacsimile, commonly known as a fax, is a device that transmits scanned printed material, usually in the form of a document, over a telephone line. It allows for the electronic transmission of documents and images, making it easier to send written work quickly and efficiently. Although its use has diminished with the rise of email and digital communication, it remains in use in various fields, particularly in legal and medical industries.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- I sent the contract via telefacsimile.
- The office still uses a telefacsimile to receive documents.
- Please fax me the signed documents.
- Telefacsimile technology was popular in the 1980s and 1990s.
- She received the report through telefacsimile.
Etymology
The term 'telefacsimile' originates from the combination of two Latin terms: 'tele,' meaning 'distant' or 'far,' and 'facsimile,' which derives from 'fac simile,' meaning 'make similar,' or 'to make a copy.' The technology was developed in the 19th century, with early versions appearing as far back as the 1840s. Initially, telefacsimile systems utilized telegraph systems to transmit images. Over the years, the technology evolved with the advent of telephone lines, leading to the development of the first commercially successful fax machines in the 1960s. The widespread adoption of telefacsimile technology transformed business communication, allowing for the rapid dissemination of documents across long distances without the need for physical delivery. Throughout the latter half of the 20th century, the telefacsimile became a commonplace fixture in offices, particularly for business correspondence, legal documents, and medical transmissions. Although newer technologies have emerged, such as email and digital document sharing, telefacsimile still holds relevance in certain sectors due to its reliability and legal acceptance.