Telegraphist Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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telegraphist

[หˆtษ›lษชหŒgrรฆfษชst ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

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A telegraphist is a person who operates a telegraph, a system that transmits messages over long distances using coded signals. This role was critical in the 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly before the advent of the telephone. Telegraphists were responsible for sending and receiving messages using Morse code, making them key figures in communication networks. The profession required specialized skills and training, often involving the ability to interpret and transmit messages quickly and accurately.

Synonyms

communicator, message sender, operator.

Examples of usage

  • The telegraphist sent the urgent message across the country.
  • In the war, the telegraphist played a vital role in maintaining communication.
  • She worked as a telegraphist, decoding messages received from distant cities.

Translations

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Origin of 'telegraphist'

The term 'telegraphist' originated from the word 'telegraph,' which is derived from the Greek words 'tele' meaning 'distant' and 'graph' meaning 'to write.' The telegraph was invented in the early 19th century and revolutionized long-distance communication. As the technology developed, specific roles emerged within telegraph companies, leading to the establishment of the telegraphist position. Initially, telegraphists were crucial in transmitting messages during significant events, such as wars or political changes, where rapid communication was necessary. Over time, the shift to newer communication technologies reduced the need for telegraphists, but their legacy as pioneers in the field of communication remains recognized.