telegrapheme

English

Noun

telegrapheme (plural telegraphemes)

1. (dated, rare) A telegram.
   • [1908, H.W. Fowler, chapter I, in The King's English, 2nd edition:

     Every one has been told at school how telegram ought to be telegrapheme; but by this time we have long ceased to mourn for the extra syllable, and begun seriously to consider whether the further shortening into wire has not been resisted as long as honour demands.]

Usage notes

• A proposed term with little actual use.