telephone-receiver

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A device for receiving audio: "telephone-receiver" refers to the part of a telephone that is held to the ear to hear the caller's voice. It converts electrical signals into sound.
   • A handset component: Specifically, the earpiece of a telephone handset, distinct from the mouthpiece (transmitter).

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • She picked up the telephone-receiver and dialled the number. (The part of the phone used for listening.)
  • The old rotary phone had a heavy black telephone-receiver that rested in a cradle. (The earpiece component of the handset.)

• Advanced Usage:

  • After the call, he placed the telephone-receiver back on the hook. (Returned the handset to its resting position.)
  • The broken telephone-receiver emitted only static, making conversation impossible. (The damaged earpiece failed to transmit sound clearly.)

Variants and Related Words

• Telephone (n): a system or device for transmitting sound over distances using electrical signals.

  • He answered the telephone when it rang. (The entire communication device.)

• Receiver (n): a general term for a device that receives signals or sound.

  • The radio receiver picked up the broadcast clearly. (A device that captures audio signals.)

• Handset (n): the part of a telephone that contains both the receiver and the mouthpiece.

  • She held the handset to her ear. (The combined earpiece and mouthpiece unit.)

Synonyms

• Earpiece: the part of a telephone held to the ear to hear sound.

  • He pressed the earpiece tightly to his ear. (The listening component.)

• Handset: the entire unit that includes the receiver and mouthpiece.

  • The handset was cordless. (The portable part of the phone.)

Related Idioms

• Off the hook: when the telephone-receiver is not resting in its cradle (often used to indicate a phone is in use).

  • The phone was off the hook, so no one could call. (The receiver was not placed back.)

• On the hook: when the telephone-receiver is placed back in the cradle, ending a call.

  • He put the receiver on the hook and hung up. (Ended the call properly.)