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Glite Dictionary
centrex

centrex

1 8.4
A telephone service from the phone company that gives a business its own internal phone network for calling between people
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : centrex
  • They could barely explain Centrex. "Prospects said the confusion convinced them that the products or services involved would be difficult to install and maintain."

Examples

  • They could barely explain Centrex.

    Blog text (22)

  • Like the email solution, you should have a backup voice service such as Centrex.

    Blog text (24)

  • Phone company set up on our Centrex?

    Copycat (1995)

  • Remember, the RBOCs couldn't sell Centrex, which is a close cousin.

    Blog text (22)

  • Even the number at the end could tell you, if you had some inside information or were willing to call a bunch of numbers at random asking for Jenny in Sales to map it out, whether it was part of a Centrex or standalone.

    Blog text (32)

  • Companies often rely on Centrex to manage their phone systems without needing to invest in expensive equipment.

  • With Centrex, businesses can enjoy features like call forwarding and voicemail without the costs of a private branch exchange.

  • Many organizations choose Centrex for its flexibility and ease of use in handling a large volume of calls.

Synonyms

PBX
vscentrex
  • Specialized
3 6.8

A private phone system in an office that connects calls inside and outside the company

is supplied by the telephone company using central office switching not in-house equipment
telephone exchange
vscentrex
  • Specialized
1 3.7

A place with machines that connects telephone calls for many people

is a company-provided switching service tailored for one organization rather than the general network

Surface Forms

centrex singular
centrexes plural

Morphology

centrex = central + exchange (semi-transparent) = central + exchange

Formed as a clipped/blended abbreviation of 'central exchange' used as telecom jargon; components indicate the meaning but the clipped form and specialized usage may not be obvious to all learners.

Etymology

The word centrex comes from joining centre ('central') and exchange ('a place where calls are switched'), so it means a 'central exchange' run by the phone company that gives a business the same service as a private phone system.