telegraphnoun/ˈtɛl.ɪ.ɡɹɑːf/

• 1

  Synonym of telegraphy, any process for transmitting arbitrarily long messages over a long distance using a symbolic code.

  • This strict sense of telegraph developed from French usage for Napoleon's overland semaphore network but rather arbitrarily excludes similar Chinese and other signalling networks.
• 2

  historicalThe electrical device gradually developed in the early 19th century to transmit messages (telegrams) using Morse code; the entire system used to transmit its messages including overhead lines and transoceanic cables.

  • The first message transmitted by telegraph in the United States was WHAT HATH GOD WROUGHT.
  • The Bat—they called him the Bat.[…]. He[…]played a lone hand,[…]. Most lone wolves had a moll at any rate—women were their ruin—but if the Bat had a moll, not even the grapevine telegraph could locate her.
• 3

  video-gamesA visible or audible cue that indicates to an opponent the action that a character is about to take.

telegraphverb/ˈtɛl.ɪ.ɡɹɑːf/

• 1

  To use a telegraph; to send a message by telegraph.

  • Whenever this portent occurs, my steward telegraphs to me, that I, as head of the family, be not unsteeled against the shock of a bereavement […]
  • In "The Boscombe Valley Mystery," Sherlock Holmes telegraphs Watson: "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from the West of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. […]."
• 2

  To clearly communicate to another nonverbally (whether by gesture, a change in attitude, or any other sign), and especially unintentionally.

  • Her frown telegraphed her displeasure.
  • He took a jab and telegraphed his punch so loudly that I was able to land a solid right hand to his stomach.