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cassette recorder

cassette recorder

3 2.7
A small machine that records and plays sound on cassette tapes
  • noun
  • /kəˈsɛt rɪˈkɔrdər/
  • Archaic
translation icon : grabadora de casetes
  • Each interview was recorded on audio tape using a cassette recorder and then transcribed for purposes of analysis.
  • video cassette recorder
  • audio cassette recorder
  • using a cassette recorder

We have at that time state-of-the-art cassette recorder for the cassette.

Examples

  • Once all had arrived, I turned on my cassette recorder and asked the first of my prepared questions.

    Academic text (2000)
  • The availability of mini-cassette recorders and indoor space influenced the number of students participating in this study at one time.

    Academic text (1995)
  • Alongside the note is a micro-cassette recorder and a dozen tapes.

    Fiction book (1997)
  • Walter takes a mini cassette recorder from his pocket.

    Fiction book (2002)
  • I offer into evidence this cassette recorder and audiotape...

  • On top of that cabinet was an impressive medium-sized compact cassette recorder.

    Fiction book (1991)
  • Observers used a small cassette recorder and earphones to provide interval cues.

    Academic text (1994)
  • Orlean switches on a mini-cassette recorder, pulls out a notebook.

    Fiction book (2002)
  • Each participant was provided with a mini-cassette recorder and a lapel microphone during each striking lesson.

    Academic text (1995)
  • I turned on my cassette recorder to capture the band’s rehearsal for later review.

Synonyms

recorder
vscassette recorder
177 2.6

A device that saves sound or images for later playback

is the portable device for small tape cartridges rather than general audio equipment
tape recorder
vscassette recorder
  • Archaic
69 2.4

A machine that records and plays sound on tape

focuses on the same recording and playback but for a specific compact tape format
tape deck
vscassette recorder
  • Archaic
8 4.7

A machine that plays or records sound on cassette tapes

is similar but refers specifically to the smaller consumer tape format for portable use
tape machine
vscassette recorder
  • Archaic
4 3.2

A device that records or plays sound on magnetic tape

uses the same magnetic principle but limits use to the smaller cassette format
cassette deck
vscassette recorder
  • Archaic
1 4.6

A device that plays and records sound on cassette tapes

has identical function and is another common name for the same device
recording machine
vscassette recorder
1 3.4

A machine that makes and stores sound or video

is more specific, limited to devices that record and play compact audio tapes
wire recorder
vscassette recorder
  • Archaic
1 9.8

An old machine that saves sound on thin metal wire and plays it back

operates the same basic function but on a different, non-tape medium
magnetic recorder
vscassette recorder
  • Specialized
4.0

A device that uses magnetic tape or disk to save sound, pictures and data

is narrower, applying only to the small tape cartridge format rather than all magnetic media

How Portable

cassette recorder
  • Archaic
3 2.7
boombox
  • Archaic
4 3.5

Surface Forms

Morphology

cassette + recorder

The meaning 'a device for recording and playing audio cassettes' is directly compositional from 'cassette' (a container for recorded audio) + 'recorder' (a device that captures/stores recordings). This noun–noun compound follows a standard, productive pattern in English (and parallels in many languages), so a B1 learner who knows both constituents would readily infer the meaning.

Etymology

Cassette recorder is named for the small cassette, a plastic box that holds a tape, and for the word recorder, which shows it 'records' sound. That's why the name means 'a device for recording and playing audio cassettes'.