Definition

1. Noun:

   • An electrical switch operated by a current: A device that allows a small electrical current to control a much larger current in a separate circuit.
   • A race between teams: A competition, especially in running or swimming, where each team member completes part of the total distance before passing an object (like a baton) to the next member.
   • A shift or fresh team: A group of workers, animals, or vehicles that replaces another to allow for rest or a change.
   • The act of passing something on: The process of receiving and then transmitting information, a message, or an object.

2. Verb:

   • To receive and pass on: To transmit or pass along information, a message, or a signal from one person, place, or device to another.
   • To control or broadcast via a relay: To broadcast a signal or program received from another source, or to control a circuit using an electrical relay.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • The safety system uses an electromagnetic relay to cut power in an emergency.
  • She won a gold medal in the 4x100 meter relay.
  • The firefighters worked in relays to battle the blaze through the night.
  • The message was sent through a relay of couriers.

• Verb:

  • Can you relay the instructions to the rest of the team?
  • The satellite relays television signals across the continent.

Advanced Usage

• "to relay a message": To pass a message from a sender to an intended recipient.

  • I was asked to relay a message that the meeting is postponed.

• "in relay": Operating in shifts or successive groups.

  • The workers operated the pump in relay for 24 hours.

Variants and Related Words

• Relayer (n): A person or device that relays something.

  • The satellite is a crucial relayer of data.

• Relay race (n): The specific type of team race involving the passing of a baton.

  • The relay race is the final event of the track meet.

Synonyms

• Noun: Shift, turn, transmission, broadcast, race.
• Verb: Transmit, pass on, communicate, convey, broadcast.

Related Phrasal Verbs

(Note: "Relay" is not commonly used in phrasal verb constructions. Its meaning is typically contained in the single verb form.)

Related Idioms

• "Run a relay": To participate in a relay race; figuratively, to be part of a sequential process.
  • Our departments run a relay to complete the project, each one handling a different stage.

Noun

1. electrical device such that current flowing through it in one circuit can switch on and off a current in a second circuit
2. a race between teams; each member runs or swims part of the distance
3. a fresh team to relieve weary draft animals
4. a crew of workers who relieve another crew
5. the act of passing something along from one person or group to another
   • the relay was successful

Verb

1. control or operate by relay
2. pass along
   • Please relay the news to the villagers