telex

[ tel-eks ]

noun

1. (sometimes initial capital letter) a two-way teletypewriter service channeled through a public telecommunications system for instantaneous, direct communication between subscribers at remote locations.
2. a teletypewriter used to send or receive on such a service.
3. a message transmitted by telex.

verb (used with object)

1. to send (a message) by telex:

   We telex instructions to the agent.

2. to send a message by telex to:

   They telexed the Paris office.

telex

/ ˈtɛlɛks /

noun

1. an international telegraph service in which teleprinters are rented out to subscribers for the purpose of direct communication
2. a teleprinter used in such a service
3. a message transmitted or received by telex

verb

1. to transmit (a message) to (a person, office, etc) by telex

Word History and Origins

Origin of telex¹

First recorded in 1930–35; tel(eprinter) + ex(change)

Word History and Origins

Origin of telex¹

C20: from tel ( eprinter ) ex ( change )

Example Sentences

McSherry’s research revealed how the CIA supported the intelligence services of the Condor states with computerized links, a telex system and purpose-built encoding and decoding machines made by the CIA logistics department.

From Salon

The telex machines, which could send text-based messages over established phone networks, were a smart workaround — the data from those messages would be processed by the central computer.

From Los Angeles Times

The tools of the trade used to be typewriters and telexes, but the thrill is just the same.

From Washington Post

For another work meant to critique the divide between art and the outside world, Haacke set up a telex machine to print live news updates on a seemingly endless paper scroll.

From Washington Post

Without SWIFT, Russian institutions will be forced to fall back on a telex network and other less convenient and more costly alternatives.

From Washington Post

Related Words

• summons
• telegraph