Толковый словарь английского языка Oxford English Reference - telephone

n. & v. --n. 1 an apparatus for transmitting sound (esp. speech) to a distance by wire or cord or radio, esp. by converting acoustic vibrations to electrical signals. 2 a transmitting and receiving instrument used in this. 3 a system of communication using a network of telephones. --v. 1 tr. speak to (a person) by telephone. 2 tr. send (a message) by telephone. 3 intr. make a telephone call. Phrases and idioms on the telephone 1 having a telephone. 2 by use of or using the telephone. over the telephone by use of or using the telephone. telephone book = telephone directory. telephone box Brit. = telephone booth. telephone booth (or kiosk) a public booth or enclosure from which telephone calls can be made. telephone call = CALL n. 4. telephone directory a book listing telephone subscribers and numbers in a particular area. telephone exchange = EXCHANGE n. 3. telephone number a number assigned to a particular telephone and used in making connections to it. telephone operator esp. US an operator in a telephone exchange. Derivatives telephoner n. telephonic adj. telephonically adv.