Telegraph

A system or device used for transmitting messages over a distance, typically using electrical signals or coded symbols. It originally involved sending messages by wire, but now can also refer to various modern communication methods that convey information quickly, such as radio, fiber optics, and satellites. The fundamental concept revolves around transmitting and receiving coded information across space, allowing for rapid communication between distant points. The system has significantly evolved over time.

Telegraph meaning with examples

• During the American Civil War, the Union Army relied heavily on the telegraph for coordinating troop movements and receiving vital intelligence from the field. This allowed them to quickly transmit information in the age before radios, and react to events unfolding across the country more efficiently than the Confederate forces.
• Before the widespread use of telephones, families often used the telegraph to communicate urgent news, such as births or deaths, over long distances. These messages, often delivered by hand, were short and concise, aiming to convey the essential details of a particular situation as quickly as possible.
• The invention of the telegraph revolutionized business by allowing companies to quickly communicate orders, pricing, and market information. This resulted in better communication and enhanced business activity, which led to increased profits and competition in all industries, especially in the financial market.
• In the early days of undersea cables, the telegraph was the only way to communicate across oceans. Crews worked tirelessly to lay down the cables, enabling the world to share news and information faster than ever before. The technology helped build bridges around the world during the late 1800s and early 1900s.