The spelling of the word "automated tellers" can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as /ˈɔː.tə.meɪ.tɪd ˈtɛl.ərz/. The first syllable is pronounced with a long "o" sound and the stress is on the second syllable. The second syllable is pronounced with a short "e" sound followed by a "l" sound, while the final syllable is pronounced with a "z" sound. "Automated" means that the machine operates automatically, and "tellers" refers to those who work in a bank and handle transactions. Together, these words denote machines that function as bank tellers.
Automated tellers refer to electronic machines that are used by bank customers to conduct financial transactions without the need for human intervention. Commonly known as ATMs, these devices are self-service kiosks that provide a range of banking services. The core function of automated tellers is to allow users to withdraw cash from their bank accounts using a plastic payment card and a Personal Identification Number (PIN). Moreover, these machines are capable of performing various other operations, such as depositing checks or cash, transferring funds between accounts, checking account balances, printing bank statements, and updating personal information.
Typically, automated tellers consist of a display screen that guides users through different options using a menu-based interface. They are equipped with a card reader that reads the customer's ATM or debit card, and a keypad for entering the PIN. Most modern ATMs also have a slot for depositing checks or cash directly into the machine. Advanced automated tellers are integrated with optical character recognition (OCR) technology to read and process checks, eliminating the need for envelope deposits.
These machines are widely available in bank branches, shopping centers, airports, and standalone locations to provide convenience and accessibility to customers 24 hours a day. The use of automated tellers has become increasingly prevalent as they offer speed, convenience, and secure access to banking services, reducing the reliance on traditional brick-and-mortar bank branches for basic transactions.
The etymology of the word "automated tellers" can be understood by breaking it down into its constituent parts:
1. Automated: The word "automated" comes from the Greek word "automatos", meaning "self-moving" or "acting of oneself". It entered the English language in the early 1960s and refers to the use of machines or technology to perform tasks automatically, without human intervention.
2. Tellers: The word "tellers" is derived from the noun "teller", which originated in the late 14th century. It comes from the Old English word "tellan", meaning "to count, reckon". In banking terms, a "teller" specifically refers to a person employed at a bank who handles financial transactions such as deposits, withdrawals, and payments.