/ ˈtelɪgrɑːf; NAmE -græf/ noun , verb
■ noun
[ U ] a method of sending messages over long distances, using wires that carry electrical signals
■ verb
1.
[ v , vn ] to send a message by telegraph
2.
[ vn ] to make it clear to people what you are going to do, often without intending to
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WORD ORIGIN
early 18th cent.: from French télégraphe , from télé- at a distance + -graphe (from French , based on Greek graphos written, writing).