[tele.phone] n, often attrib (1849): an instrument for reproducing sounds at a distance; specif: one in which sound is converted into electrical impulses for transmission by wire
[2]telephone vb -phoned ; -phon.ing vt (1877) 1: to speak to or attempt to reach by telephone
2: to send by telephone ~ vi: to communicate by telephone -- tele.phon.er n