† ˌtelegraˈpheme
[ad. Gr. type τηλεγράϕηµα, f. *τηλεγραϕεῖν to telegraph. (Both used in mod.Gr.)]
A word suggested instead of telegram n., as being more correctly formed; but never generally adopted.
| 1857 R. Shilleto in Times 15 Oct. 7/5 May I suggest to such as are not contented with ‘Telegraphic Despatch’ the rightly constructed word ‘telegrapheme’? I do not want it, but..I protest against such a barbarism as ‘telegram’. 1867 Routledge's Ev. Boy's Ann. Jan. 53 The word telegram superseded telegrapheme. 1873 [see telegram n.]. 1896 Westm. Gaz. 22 Feb. 8/2 The public..absolutely revolted against telegrapheme, and insisted on telegram, though..the famous Cambridge scholar Shilleto always talked about ‘sending a telegrapheme’—never a telegram. |