cell phone

or cell·phone

[ sel-fohn ]

noun

, Telecommunications.

1. a wireless telephone using a system of low-powered radio transmitters, with each transmitter covering a distinct geographical area cell, and computer equipment to switch a call from one area to another, thus enabling broad-scale portable phone service.
2. such a wireless telephone that has other functions, as text messaging or internet access.
3. mobile phone ( def ).

cell phone

1. A portable telephone that uses wireless cellular technology to send and receive phone signals. This technology works by dividing the Earth into small regions called cells. Within each cell the wireless telephone signal goes over its assigned bandwidth to a cell tower, which relays the signal to a telephone switching network, connecting the user to the desired party.

Notes

The proximity to a cell tower is often the key to good reception when using a cell phone.

Word History and Origins

Origin of cell phone¹

First recorded in 1980–85; cell(ular) ( def ) + phone ¹( def )

Example Sentences

Police say that after sinking his kayak and cell phone in the lake, he paddled a small child-sized boat to shore where he had stashed an E-bike.

From BBC

Crystals are the building blocks that make up many over-the-counter and prescription drugs, insecticides to fight mosquitoes, explosives such as TNT, semiconductors, and light-emitting technologies used in television screens and cell phones.

From Science Daily

It said "despite numerous instructions given forbidding use of cell phones whilst on duty by members of the police service, commanders are not enforcing this".

From BBC

In his first four years in office, Trump reportedly weaponized the Department of Justice to invade the privacy of reporters, seizing New York Times reporters’ cell phone records.

From Salon

Last October, Adams appeared on Radio Visión Cristiana, a Spanish-language Christian broadcast, just a few weeks before his cell phones were seized by the FBI the first time.

From Salon

Related Words

• cellular phone
• wireless telephone