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Glite Dictionary
telegraphic signal

telegraphic signal

7.1
A series of short and long sounds sent over wires to show letters and words
  • noun
  • /ˌtɛlɪˈɡræfɪk ˈsɪɡnəl/
  • Archaic
translation icon : señal telegráfica
  • Early communication devices relied on the telegraphic signal to convey urgent news.

Examples

  • The telegraphic signal was received clearly.

  • The operator received a telegraphic signal confirming the completion of the track.

  • A series of short and long sounds made up the telegraphic signal sent across the wire.

  • Can you send a telegraphic signal to the station?

  • The operator decoded the telegraphic signal using Morse code during the transmission.

  • After sending the telegraphic signal, they waited for a response from the other station.

  • He received a telegraphic signal that confirmed the arrival time of the train.

Synonyms

signal
vstelegraphic signal
  • Specialized
991 3.8

A change in electric current or voltage that carries information in devices

is a specific coded message sent over wires using dots and dashes
radiotelegraphic signal
vstelegraphic signal
  • Archaic
6.1

A message sent by radio using dots and dashes

is sent over wires rather than wirelessly

How Strong

reception
  • Jargon
81 3.7
clear
40 1.0
telegraphic signal
  • Archaic
7.1
weak
69 1.0
faint
148 2.7

Surface Forms

telegraphic signal singular
telegraphic signals plural

Morphology

telegraphic + signal

The phrase is compositionally regular — an adjective modifying a noun — so a learner who knows 'telegraphic' and 'signal' can infer it denotes a signal with telegraphic properties. However, 'telegraphic' is ambiguous (relating to the telegraph vs. meaning 'concise/brief'), and the specific technical sense 'transmitted via a telegraph/Morse code' may not be fully predictable at B1 without exposure.

Etymology

Telegraphic signal comes from early telegraph machines: telegraphic meant the telegraph machine and signal meant the short and long sounds or clicks sent along a wire. So, it means 'a signal sent by telegraph'.