| answering machine |
a device connected to a telephone that records an incoming message from a caller when the telephone is not answered. |
| area code |
a set of three numbers given to different areas of the United States and Canada for telephone service. An area code must be dialed before the telephone number when calling someone outside a local area. |
| buzz |
(informal) a call on the telephone. [1/4 definitions] |
| bye1 |
a short, informal way of saying good-bye. People often say "bye" when they are leaving each other or when they are finished talking on the telephone. |
| call |
to telephone. [1/10 definitions] |
| cell phone |
a telephone that operates using radio signals and therefore requires no wires. A cell phone can be taken with one anywhere but may not function if it is too far away from a radio transmitter to receive signals. |
| cellular phone |
a telephone that can be taken anywhere and does not use wires. A cellular phone uses radio signals that are sent out from many different points called "cells." A cellular phone gets its signals from whatever cell is closest to it at the moment. A cellular phone is often called a "cell phone." |
| communication |
(plural) means of sending messages, such as telephone, radio, and television. [1/3 definitions] |
| dial |
a movable disk with numbered finger holes on some older telephones. A telephone dial allows the caller to select the numbers being called by turning the disk. [2/6 definitions] |
| dialing code |
the British word for the set of digits at the beginning of a telephone number that represents a telephone district. "Dialing code" has a meaning similar to "area code." |
| dial tone |
the steady hum or buzzing sound in a telephone receiver showing that the line is open and a number may be dialed or entered. |
| earphone |
a small speaker that fits on or in the ear for listening to sound from a radio, tape player, telephone, or other electronic machine. |
| extension |
an extra telephone line connected to the main line. [1/3 definitions] |
| fax |
a machine for sending and receiving pages that are transmitted electronically over telephone lines to or from another such machine. "Fax" is short for "facsimile." [1/3 definitions] |
| goodbye |
a word used by or to someone who is leaving or ending a telephone call; farewell. [1/2 definitions] |
| hang up |
to end a telephone call by pressing a button or putting the telephone down in the part that holds it. [2/3 definitions] |
| information |
a telephone service that can tell the caller the phone number of a person or business. [1/2 definitions] |
| line1 |
a wire or set of wires that carry signals in an electrical or telephone system. [1/11 definitions] |
| long distance |
telephone service that is not local. |
| mobile |
a telephone that operates using radio signals and therefore requires no wires. A mobile can be taken with one anywhere but may not function if it is too far away from a radio transmitter to receive signals. "Mobile" has the same meaning as "cell phone." [1/3 definitions] |
| modem |
an electronic device that allows information to be sent from or to a computer using telephone lines or other lines of communication. |