optophone

American

[op-tuh-fohn] / ˈɒp təˌfoʊn /

noun

an electronic device that scans ordinary printed characters and produces combinations of sounds, enabling a blind reader to recognize the characters.

optophone British

/ ˈɒptəˌfəʊn /

noun

a device for blind people that converts printed words into sounds

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of optophone

opto- + -phone

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

optophone

He is also working on an instrument called an " optophone " by which light will be transformed into sound, for the benefit of the blind in whom the light nerves are dead.

From Time Magazine Archive

This property is used in the optophone in transmitting an electric current which is interrupted by a special clockwork interrupter.

From The Dream Doctor by Arthur B. (Arthur Benjamin) Reeve

But from the receiver of the little optophone there seemed to issue the most peculiar noise I had ever heard a mechanical instrument make.

From Guy Garrick by Arthur B. (Arthur Benjamin) Reeve

Fortunately that had been promptly and faithfully reported to us over the optophone in time to localize the damage.

From Guy Garrick by Arthur B. (Arthur Benjamin) Reeve

The optophone translates light into sound by means of that wonderful little element, selenium, which in darkness is a poor conductor of electricity, but in light is a good conductor.

From The Dream Doctor by Arthur B. (Arthur Benjamin) Reeve

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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023