verb , noun
■ verb / ˈriːleɪ; NAmE ; rɪˈleɪ/ [ vn ] relaysth (to sb)
1.
to receive and send on information, news, etc. to sb :
He relayed the message to his boss.
Instructions were relayed to him by phone.
2.
to broadcast television or radio signals :
The game was relayed by satellite to audiences all over the world.
■ noun /ˈriːleɪ/
1.
(also ˈrelay race ) a race between teams in which each member of the team runs or swims one section of the race :
the 4 × 100m relay
a relay team
the sprint relay
2.
a fresh set of people or animals that take the place of others that are tired or have finished a period of work :
Rescuers worked in relays to save the trapped miners.
3.
an electronic device that receives radio or television signals and sends them on again with greater strength :
a relay station
••
WORD ORIGIN
late Middle English (referring to the provision of fresh hounds on the track of a deer): from Old French relai (noun), relayer (verb), based on Latin laxare slacken.