I. tel ‧ e ‧ graph 1 /ˈteləɡrɑːf, ˈtelɪɡrɑːf $ -ɡræf/ BrE AmE noun
[ Date: 1700-1800 ; Language: French ; Origin: télégraphe , from télé- 'tele-' + -graphe (from Late Latin -graphus 'written' ) ]
1 . [uncountable] an old-fashioned method of sending messages using radio or electrical signals
2 . [countable] a piece of equipment that receives or sends messages in this way
—telegraphic /ˌteləˈɡræfɪk◂, ˌtelɪˈɡræfɪk◂/ adjective
II. telegraph 2 BrE AmE verb
1 . [intransitive and transitive] to send a message by telegraph:
Once he knew where we were, Lewis telegraphed every few hours.
2 . [transitive] informal to let people know what you intend to do without saying anything:
A slight movement of the hand telegraphed his intention to shoot.