tele-

¹

1. a combining form meaning “distant,” especially “transmission over a distance,” used in the formation of compound words:

   telegraph.

tele-

²

1. a combining form meaning “end,” “complete,” used in the formation of compound words:

   telestich.

tele

³

or tel·ly

[ tel-ee ]

noun

, British Informal.

1. television.

tele.

⁴

abbreviation for

1. television.

tele-

combining_form

1. at or over a distance; distant

   telegony

   telekinesis

   telescope

   telemeter

2. television

   telecast

3. by means of or via telephone or television

tele–

1. A prefix that means “at a distance,” as in telemetry.

Word History and Origins

Origin of tele-¹

Combining form representing Greek têle far, akin to télos end ( tele- ² )

Origin of tele-²

Combining form representing Greek télos end, and téleios perfected; akin to teleîn to fulfill

Origin of tele-³

By shortening

Word History and Origins

Origin of tele-¹

from Greek tele far

Example Sentences

Vitter has been holding a series of town-hall meetings and tele-town-hall meetings, signaling the obvious intention.

From The Daily Beast

Mandleco strode for the tele-stat, then turned back and pointed a trembling finger at Beardsley.

From Project Gutenberg

His thumb tripped the tele-transport control and from the engine rooms came a drone of power.

From Project Gutenberg

Once again the tele-transport had reached out, wrapped its fingers around the men who stepped from the little ship.

From Project Gutenberg

He dropped the tele-talkie behind the seat and examined the gauge on his oxygen tank.

From Project Gutenberg

The global community of tele-viewing is splitting into smaller and smaller groups.

From Project Gutenberg