telautograph

telautograph

A scientist sends a handwritten note using a telautograph.

Definition

Noun: A telautograph is an early form of facsimile machine that transmits handwritten or drawn images over electrical wires. It reproduces the movements of a pen at a remote location, allowing the sender's writing or sketches to be duplicated in real time.

Usage Examples
  • (A device that transmits handwriting electrically.)
  • (An early telecommunication device for transmitting drawings.)
Advanced Usage
  • "Telautograph system": a network of telautograph devices used for communication.
    • The railway company installed a telautograph system to send handwritten orders between stations. (A set of connected telautograph machines for real-time written communication.)
Variants and Related Words
  • Telautographic (adj): relating to or characteristic of a telautograph.

    • The telautographic technology was a precursor to modern fax machines. (Pertaining to the device or its operation.)
  • Telautography (n): the art or process of using a telautograph.

    • Telautography was once used in military communications for secure message transmission. (The practice of transmitting handwriting via electrical signals.)
Synonyms
  • Facsimile machine: a device that transmits scanned printed material over telephone lines (a modern equivalent).
  • Telewriter: a device that transmits handwriting or drawings over a distance, similar to a telautograph.
Related Idioms