telegraphy

[tuh-leg-ruh-fee]

noun

1. the art or practice of constructing or operating telegraphs.

telegraphy

/ tɪˈlɛɡrəfɪ /

noun

1. a system of telecommunications involving any process providing reproduction at a distance of written, printed, or pictorial matter See also facsimile

2. the skill or process of operating a telegraph

Word History and Origins

Origin of telegraphy¹

First recorded in 1785–95; tele- ¹ + -graphy

Example Sentences

Wireless telegraphy, as radio was then called, required equipment that was too heavy and cumbersome to be carried into battle.

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As a post office worker, he was assigned to the Royal Engineers, fighting with the 53rd Division, in order to lay vital telegraphy and field telephone systems.

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But the language didn't go very far in anticipating the more immediately problematic aspects of telegraphy, including the way it hastened the spread of misinformation, information overload, and many forms of imperialism.

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His prize was a book called Modern Views of Magnetism and Electricity which sparked his interest in radio telegraphy.

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Regarded as the "father of radio", Marconi was a joint-winner of the Nobel prize for his work with "wireless telegraphy", which included discoveries that allowed messages to be sent via radio waves.

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Related Words

• transmission 
• wireless