PUBLIC TELEPHONE Meaning and
Definition
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A public telephone refers to a telecommunications device that provides access to the public for making outgoing calls to other telephone numbers, both local and long distance. It is a service widely available in many locations, designed to offer convenient means of communication to individuals who do not own personal telephones or are in need of making urgent calls while away from their usual place of communication.
Typically found in public spaces such as airports, train stations, shopping malls, or street corners, a public telephone is usually enclosed within a designated booth or kiosk that aims to provide privacy for the user during conversations. These devices are commonly operated by coins or prepaid cards, although some may accept credit or debit cards for payment. Additionally, advancements in technology have seen the integration of digital displays, touch screens, and voice recognition systems to enhance user experience.
Public telephones serve a crucial role in facilitating communication for individuals who lack personal telephones, especially in emergency situations or when immediate contact is necessary. They offer a reliable method of reaching out to emergency services, such as the police or ambulance, and can be vital for travelers seeking directions or contacting their destinations. While the prevalence of personal cellular phones has reduced the demand for public telephones in recent times, they still hold significance in ensuring accessible communication for various segments of the population and remain an important public service.
Common Misspellings for PUBLIC TELEPHONE
- oublic telephone
- lublic telephone
- -ublic telephone
- 0ublic telephone
- pyblic telephone
- phblic telephone
- pjblic telephone
- piblic telephone
- p8blic telephone
- p7blic telephone
- puvlic telephone
- punlic telephone
- puhlic telephone
- puglic telephone
- pubkic telephone
- pubpic telephone
- puboic telephone
- publuc telephone
- publjc telephone
- publkc telephone
Etymology of PUBLIC TELEPHONE
The word "public telephone" has a straightforward etymology. Here is a breakdown of its components:
1. Public: This word derives from the Latin word "publicus", meaning "of the people" or "pertaining to the people". It entered the English language in the late 14th century and has maintained a similar meaning ever since.
2. Telephone: The word "telephone" is formed from two Greek terms. "Tele-" comes from the Greek word "tele", meaning "far" or "distant". "-Phone" is derived from the Greek word "phōnē", which means "voice" or "sound". The term "telephone" was coined by Sir Charles Wheatstone and Sir William Fothergill Cooke in the early 1830s to describe their invention of an apparatus to transmit sound over long distances.
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