Definition

Noun: A telephone system is a communication system designed to transmit sound, specifically voice, between distant points. It is the complete network of equipment, lines, and exchanges that enables telephone calls.

Usage

The term "telephone system" refers to the entire infrastructure for making phone calls. It is often used when discussing the technology, capacity, or management of this network. * The company is upgrading its telephone system to use digital lines. * A reliable telephone system is essential for modern business operations. * The storm damaged the city's telephone system.

Advanced Usage

• "to be on the telephone system": To be connected to and able to use the telephone network.
  • Our new office building will be on the telephone system by next week.
• "integrated into the telephone system": To be connected or made part of the larger network.
  • The new VoIP service is now fully integrated into the national telephone system.

Variants and Related Words

• Telephony (n): The technology or industry of telephone communication.
  • He works in the field of telephony.
• Telephone network (n): A term very similar to "telephone system," emphasizing the interconnected structure.
  • The call was routed through several nodes on the telephone network.

Synonyms

• Phone system: A more casual synonym.
• Telecommunications system: A broader term that can include telephone, data, and video transmission.

Related Phrases

• Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN): The technical term for the traditional circuit-switched telephone system.
  • Many services are migrating from the PSTN to internet-based systems.

Noun

1. a communication system that transmits sound between distant points