speaking tube

American  

noun

1. a tube for conveying the voice over a somewhat limited distance, as from one part of a building or ship to another.

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speaking tube British  

noun

1. a tube or pipe for conveying a person's voice from one room, area, or building to another

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Etymology

Origin of speaking tube

First recorded in 1825–35

Example Sentences

As a girl, Saada Arbane had her throat cut in an Islamist militant attack that wiped out most of her family, and now communicates through a speaking tube.

From BBC

That is how he arrived at the idea to design and build three copper speaking tubes that snake through the apartment’s two levels to enable remote conversations.

From New York Times

Discovering the dumb waiter’s speaking tube, they apologize for the empty state of the larder.

From Los Angeles Times

Bells and speaking tubes for communicating with servants are still set in the walls.

From New York Times

Attached to the wall next to a door is a brass speaking tube that he used to call down for lunch.

From Washington Post