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teletext

teletext

1 5.0
A TV service that shows simple text pages with news, weather or subtitles
  • noun
  • /ˈtɛlɪtɛkst/
  • Archaic
: teletexto
  • You can find the latest news updates on teletext during commercial breaks.

Examples

  • Many people still use teletext to check the weather forecast before planning their day.

  • The television set in the living room features a teletext option that displays subtitles for programs.

  • I was in the Guardian once, being interviewed about Teletext.

    Blog text (26)
  • Used as a localised teletext server.

  • The combination of cable television, video cassette recorders, direct satellite broadcasting, and interactive teletext splintered the "great audience" assembled by newspapers and television.

    Academic text (1993)

Synonyms

videotex
vsteletext
  • Archaic
9.9

An early system that sent text and simple pictures to television screens using phone lines

is mainly a broadcast service showing text information on television screens

Surface Forms

teletext singular
teletexts plural

Morphology

teletext = text (transparent) = tele + text

The word is transparently built from 'tele-' meaning 'at a distance' and 'text', referring to text transmitted remotely.

Etymology

Teletext combines tele- meaning 'far' and text meaning 'writing', like in telephone or a text message. So teletext is 'writing' sent to your TV from far away, which is why it shows news, weather and other information on the screen.