Telautogram is a rare word that refers to a message transmitted by telegraphy that is received and recorded automatically. The word is spelled using the IPA phonetic transcription as /ˌtɛlɔːtəʊˈɡræm/, where the first syllable is pronounced as "tel," the second syllable is "au," the third syllable is "to," and the last syllable is "gram." This unusual word is derived from the Greek words "tele" meaning distant, "auto" meaning self and "gramma" meaning a letter.
A "telautogram" is a term originating from the field of telegraphy, referring to a message or communication that is sent or transmitted through the use of telegraphic apparatus. It specifically pertains to a written or printed message that is relayed electronically and automatically, without the need for human intervention, interpretation or transcription. Telautograms were commonly utilized during the early days of telegraphy when machines transformed the text into Morse code for transmission.
This concept involves the automated transmission of information from one location to another via a telegraph system, using a combination of electrical signals and mechanical operations. The telautogram enables the sender to input the message through a designated machine or device, where it is then transformed into a coded signal. This signal is dispatched over the telegraph lines to a receiving apparatus, which reproduces the original text. This process eliminates the need for manual rewriting or copying, streamlining communication and decreasing the possibility of errors.
Telautograms played a significant role in the development of long-distance communication, allowing information to be rapidly transmitted and accurately reproduced at the destination. With the advancement of technology, such as the advent of teleprinters and digital communication, the term "telautogram" has gradually become obsolete. However, its historical significance remains, recognizing the early utilization of mechanized systems for transmitting written messages over long distances.
The word "Telautogram" is derived from the combination of two Greek words: "tele" meaning "distance" or "far" and "autogram" meaning "written by oneself". The "tele" prefix suggests that the communication is transmitted over a distance, while "autogram" implies that the message is written by the sender themselves. Therefore, "Telautogram" refers to a communication or message that is written by oneself and transmitted over a distance.