Teletype Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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teletype

[ˈtɛlɪtaɪp ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

communication device

Teletype refers to a device used for sending and receiving typed messages over long distances via telegraph or telephone lines. Initially developed for military use, it became popular in newsrooms and offices for transmitting printout messages in a reliable and fast manner.

Synonyms

printer, teleprinter, typewriter.

Examples of usage

  • The journalist used a teletype machine to send the breaking news.
  • Teletype systems were essential for communication before the internet.
  • He worked on the teletype for hours to ensure the report was accurate.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • Teletype machines were developed in the early 20th century, revolutionizing communication by allowing typed messages to be sent over telegraph wires.
  • The concept of the teletype emerged from earlier devices like the telegraph and the typewriter, merging the technologies in a unique way.
  • During World War II, teletype machines were extensively used for military communications, proving their effectiveness over traditional methods.

Technology

  • Teletype machines functioned by translating typed characters into electrical signals, which could be transmitted and then printed out at remote locations.
  • They played a crucial role in early computer programming and information processing before the rise of modern computing.
  • Even after the advent of digital communication, teletype technology influenced fax machines and other early forms of data transmission.

Pop Culture

  • Teletype machines were featured in classic films and TV shows from the mid-20th century, often representing cutting-edge technology.
  • In the realm of journalism, teletype machines were once standard in newsrooms, delivering breaking news directly from the wire services.
  • The iconic sound and rhythm of typing on a teletype machine have become a nostalgic symbol of a bygone era in communication.

Literature

  • Numerous authors and playwrights have referenced teletype machines to evoke a sense of urgency or convey the fast-paced nature of news in their works.
  • Teletype has been used metaphorically in literature to symbolize the speed of communication and the flow of information in modern society.
  • In the context of cyberpunk literature, teletype machines highlight the intersection between technology and humanity, often depicting a gritty, high-tech world.

Psychology

  • The transition from handwritten letters to typed communication, such as that made possible by the teletype, reflects broader societal changes in communication efficiency and immediacy.
  • Researchers have studied the impact of instant communication methods, like the teletype, on human relationships and information retention.
  • The speed of message delivery via teletype has contributed to the phenomenon known as 'information overload' in modern society.

Origin of 'teletype'

The term 'teletype' is derived from the combination of two words: 'tele', meaning 'distant', and 'type', referring to the process of typing. Teletype machines were originally developed in the early 20th century, evolving from the telegraph technology that enabled the transmission of textual messages over long distances. The first machine was invented by the American inventor Edward H. C. Cossor in 1923. These machines made communication more accessible, as they could convert typed messages into electrical impulses, which were then transmitted and printed on the receiving end. By the 1930s and 1940s, teletype became a staple in many industries, including journalism, where they were instrumental in delivering news articles quickly. As technology advanced, the use of teletype machines declined, being replaced by fax machines and later by digital communication methods.


Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,238, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.